Plan To Improve Minority, Underserved Graduation Rates Proves Effective

 WASHINGTON,  -- Low-income, underserved students who participate in College Success Foundation (CSF) programs are significantly more likely to succeed in high school and college than their national peers according to a new report released today. The report analyzes 10 years of student success rates reporting that 97 percent of CSF's Achievers Scholars graduate high school, and 68 percent of those entering a four-year college graduate.

"For 10 years we've been working hard to improve the odds of success for this vulnerable population of young Americans, and today we're thrilled to announce that we've developed a model that works," said Deborah Wilds, Ph.D., President and Chief Operating Officer of the College Success Foundation. "Our model is to inspire low-income, underserved students to finish high school and to provide the unique, integrated system of supports and scholarships that they need to succeed in college and life. We believe that all children should have the chance to achieve their full potential."

Nationally, the percentages of minority and low-income Americans who attain a college degree are shockingly low. Just 20 percent of all African Americans and 13 percent of Hispanics age 25 and older have at least a bachelor's degree. Only about 10 percent of low-income Americans attain a bachelor's degree by age 24.(1)

Today's announcement places a spotlight on the College Success Foundation's proven model of success as the issue of college completion has surfaced as a top priority for the Obama administration. Last year, the president set a goal to again make America first in the world in the percentage of adults with a postsecondary degree. Reaching this goal, especially among minority and low-income students, is an exceptional challenge.

The College Success Foundation is stepping up to this challenge. In the organization's ten-year history, the College Success Foundation has awarded nearly $107 million in scholarships to students in Washington State and the District of Columbia—the two places where CSF operates currently—helping over 2,100 students obtain a college degree.

"The College Success Foundation gives children the opportunities to grow, thrive, succeed and achieve to the highest levels," said Rep. George Miller (D-California). "It is clear from this report that if we invest the right attention and resources in our students, scaling up this kind of model nationally, we can help make a college degree a reality, not just a dream."

Increasing the college graduation rates of low-income, minority students is the key to revitalizing and fortifying the American economy since they are the only segment of the nation's workforce projected to grow over the next decade.

"The College Success Foundation changed my life," said Tommesha Scott. "I was a low-income student, and I needed someone to show me how to make college happen. My CSF advisors helped me to make the right decisions to make sure I was prepared and kept me on track and motivated to achieve my college dreams."

Low-income, underserved students face complex challenges that hinder their chances for success in high school and college. Many low-income students think college is out of reach, few come from families with a college-going culture and most come out of an educational system that does not academically prepare all students for success. Economic circumstances lead many low-income students to enter the workforce early without the skills they need to be successful in the job market. They face increasing tuition costs, have limited financial supports and often do not have the supports they need.

To download a copy of the 10th Anniversary report, please visit www.collegesuccessfoundation.org

The College Success Foundation has more than 10 years proven experience, inspiring low-income, underserved students to finish high school, and providing the unique integrated system of supports and scholarships they need to graduate college and succeed in life. For more information about CSF, please visit www.collegesuccessfoundation.org