College Summit

Overview

Low-income students who gets A's on standardized tests go to college at the same rate as their higher income peers who get D's. The transition system is flawed. College Summit prepares schools so that all students who can make it in college make it to college. Through innovative school partnerships, College Summit provides educators and students with the right tools, resources and experiences to better navigate the difficult transition from Grade 12 to Grade 13.

Mission

To increase the college enrollment rate of low-income students. We partner with schools to create affordable and scaleable solutions to the broken college transition system.

Program

College Summit works with educators to embed a postsecondary planning structure and resources into each school. This includes a regular, for-credit College Summit class with detailed curriculum, teacher training and online tools to help manage college applications online.

College Summit meticulously tracks progress and delivers data to educators. By sharing ongoing measurement and analysis, College Summit empowers educators to innovate and make corrections mid-stream to maximize college-going in their schools.

Central to the program is peer leadership--College Summit trains influential students to help build a college going culture in their high schools. 20% of the rising senior class attends a four-day workshop on a nearby college campus where they become veterans of the college application process and learn crucial self-advocacy skills. Armed with real experience, these students then return to their schools and spread their enthusiasm to their peers.

Last but not least, College Summit's network of partner colleges provides a variety of colleges and universities with improved resources that allow them to get to know a broad pool of diverse high school seniors who can succeed at their school.

Impact

College Summit began the working with entire senior classes in 2003-2004. In the first group of high schools, from Year 1 to Year 2, we have seen a statistically significant increase in college enrollment rates school-wide.

Peer Leaders participating in College Summit Workshops continue to achieve successful enrollment rates. Historically, 79% have enrolled in college each year, significantly higher than the national average of 46% among low income students.

These students don’t just make it to college, they stay in college. Each group either meets or exceeds national averages for college retention.

Countries of Operation

United States