Institution Crosby Scholars Community Partnership State North Carolina Academic Level Community-Based Organization Issue Area Access Website https://www.crosbyscholars.org/ Key Personnel Mona Lovett Program Focus College Prep, STEM Overview The Crosby Scholars Program works to assist all Forsyth County public middle and high school students in preparing themselves for successful college enrollment. Crosby offers leadership and academic programs, assists with FAFSA completion, and provides need-based Last Dollar Grants. Crosby also helps DACA students find and afford education opportunities at private institutions. Program Description Crosby Scholars began in 1992 with the goal to provide a path to college for all public Forsyth County students. Students sign a partnership agreement and commit to being drug-free, attend classes in academic skills and leadership development, and complete community service. Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for need-based Last Dollar Grants of up to $1,200 for up to four years. Crosby's Hispanic Outreach programs are specifically for Latino students: Crosby's Excelencia Program helps Latina girls learn their bilingual and bicultural abilities to increase their opportunities. Crosby Scholars collaborated with the YMCA Latino Achievers program, N.C. State, and WSFCS to develop what is now Unidos to provide after-school tutoring and also offer parent classes. We partner with the YMCA in Existosos to introduce high school students to successful professional Latino community members. Our SHE Project introduces 8th-grade Latina and African American girls to STEM opportunities. Outcome Increased ACT and GPA achievement: In 2018, 96% of Hispanic Crosby Scholars took the ACT and earned an average score of 19. 75% of Hispanic Scholars also had a weighted GPA of 2.5 or higher. Increased college enrollment rates: In 2018, 96% of Hispanic Crosby Scholars enrolled in college immediately after graduation: 48% in 2-year and 47% in 4-year colleges. For the past 10 years, 100% of Crosby Scholars have graduated from high school, and 98% have reported they enrolled immediately in a 4- or 2-year college. Increased 6-year college graduation rates: The 2011 Crosby Scholars cohort had 70% of their students graduate in six-years, compared to the national rate of 58% for 2012, the highest national six-years graduation rate recorded (National Student Clearinghouse). Increase in Hispanic students receiving Last Dollar Grants: From 2016 to 2017 there was a 117% increase in Hispanic students who received the Crosby Scholars’ Last Dollar Grant, and a 175% increase from 2017 to 2018. Learn more about Latino College Completion in North Carolina Return to Growing What Works Database
