If we were to model a nationwide program on the CollegeBound Initiative, I think we would make enormous gains in increasing the attendance of disadvantaged inner city students at our nation’s college and universities. – Doris Davis, Associate Provost for Admission and Enrollment, Cornell University

The minority achievement gap in U.S. college enrollment is a persistent problem: only 24% of low-income students nationwide attend college. As high school diplomas and college degrees become increasingly prevalent and necessary in society, urban education challenges such as the following perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Consider for instance:

	The average worker in the United States with a college degree earns an estimated $1 million more over a career span than one with only a high school diploma.
	A high school graduate has an annual salary 35% higher than that of a high school dropout; a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree has an annual salary 116% greater.
	Every year, countless low-income high school graduates who could succeed in college do not go to college: 31% of Black and Hispanic students enroll in college, compared to 68% of Caucasian students; of these students, only 17% attend four-year colleges or universities.

The CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) stands apart from other college access program in that it is the only full-time, school-based program working with every student in our partner schools. We also recruit, train, and place a high quality counselor at each of our partner schools to provide personalized attention, high quality guidance, and ensure high college acceptance results that far exceed the citywide average of 61%.

"When we established out partnership with CBI, we received much more than we had dreamed possible. Our very knowledgeable counselor knows the colleges and the admissions officers well enough to pick up the phone and schedule a visit for our students, explain a transcript deficiency or push for financial opportunities for needy students. I shudder to think of the opportunities would have missed if it had not been for College Bound.” – Kathleen Elvin, Principal, Williamsburg Preparatory School.

With a track record of nine straight years of success, our results demonstrate that the program can work effectively in any school and serve students of all academic abilities and professional goals. We are proud that

		Since its inception in the 2001-2002 school year, CBI has helped over 3,500 students gain acceptance to college, with more than a 94 percent college acceptance rate.
		While the average caseload for a high school guidance counselor is 500 to 1, CBI counselors work with no more than 100 seniors each year.
		CBI has generated nearly $41 million in scholarships and grants for our students, with an average financial aid package of $15,460 per year.
		In addition, 75% of CBI alumni are still in or have graduated from college compared to 24% of low-income students nationwide who attend college (Institute for Higher Education Polity, 2007).