College Bound / College Success

Institution:

Foundation for a College Education

State:

California

Academic Level:

Community-Based Organization

Issue Area:

Support Services

Program Focus:

College Prep

Website:

https://collegefoundation.org/

Key Personnel:

Luis Quiroga

Contact Info:

lquiroga@collegefoundation.org | 650.327.9976

Overview

Foundation for a College Education (FCE) aims to increase the number of low-income, first-generation students of color from East Palo Alto graduating from four-year colleges through its College Bound / College Success program. College Bound assists high schoolers with college prep and access, while College Success supports college students in degree attainment and workforce preparation. Goals include 100% high school graduation within four years, meeting University of California and California State University requirements, matriculation into a four-year or community college, 80% participation in college tours, and 88% bachelor’s degree completion within 4-6 years. FCE addresses educational barriers, providing equitable opportunities for Latino students in wealthy counties like San Mateo and Santa Clara.

Program Description

Founded in 1995, Foundation for a College Education (FCE) supports East Palo Alto students of color, who faced challenges despite attending better-resourced Palo Alto schools through the Tinsley Program. College Bound / College Success prioritizes creating a safe space for Latino students without a minimum GPA requirement. The program provides after-school tutoring, SAT preparation, one-on-one sessions with program managers, weekly mental health meetings, and covers college application fees. Scholarships are awarded annually, and college tours are available for high school and community college students. Parent programming includes monthly Family Class Meetings and a semi-monthly e-newsletter, both translated into Spanish. Summer Transition Weeks prepare students for their next high school grade or first college semester. As the high school students transition to college, the program offers one-on-one sessions with program managers, monthly professional and financial literacy workshops, FAFSA assistance, and virtual tutoring.

Outcome

College Bound / College Success is open to high school students and works with them and their parents until they graduate from college. The program prioritizes students in most need of support; of current students, 84% are Latino, 97% low-income, and 84% first-generation. Over the past three years, 100% graduated from high school in 4 years and were eligible to apply to UC & CSUs. Additionally, 100% enrolled in a 4-year institution or community college right after high school. In 2022-2023, the program served 92% Latino students.

Scholarships: During the 2022-2023 academic year, $71,000 in scholarships was awarded to 23 students, 87% of which were Latino students. During the 2021-2022 school year, $68,250 was awarded to 22 students, 91% of which were Latino students. During the 2020-2021 school year, $124,568 was awarded to 47 students, 89% of which were Latino students.
Program outcomes: 88% of current college students are on track to graduate within 6 years. Of 164 tracked college graduates since the program's inception, 89% graduated within 6 years, and 24% earned graduate degrees. Of the 97 Latino graduates, 90% graduated within 6 years, and 21% earned graduate degrees.

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