Making the Dream of a College Education a Reality

At CollegeBound Initiative (CBI), we believe higher education is the key to creating opportunities, and ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty. We are committed to making college not just a possibility, but a priority for every student. CBI primarily serves low-income students who are the first in their families to go to college. By focusing on individual success, we drive change that resonates far beyond the classroom walls.

How do we do it? The power of our program lies in our counselors. We place full-time college guidance experts in inner-city public high schools to work one-on-one with every student, regardless of academic standing. They work to get to know each individual and their goals. We combine intimate knowledge of our students and trusted connections with a diverse network of colleges, enabling us to identify and deliver optimal college placement and maximum financial aid.

Our comprehensive approach creates a true culture of success in each of our partner high schools. And the results are clear – we have nine consecutive years of demonstrated success:

		94% annual college placement rate for graduating seniors at all CBI schools since 2001
		75% of alumni have either graduated, are still enrolled in college, or are attending graduate school
		$41 million generated in grants and scholarships for students
		$12,000 average financial aid package (excludes loans)
		83% of students were the first in their families to go to college

But it is not just about getting every student into college; it is about changing the course of individual lives and in turn seeing positive change in our schools, our communities, and our society.

Our Reach

In the 2009-2010 school year, CBI is serving approximately 5,300 students, including close to 500 seniors, in ten urban schools (both co-ed and single sex) in New York City and Philadelphia.