College Success Foundation

The College Success Foundation is a nonprofit organization primarily serving Washington state and the District of Columbia. It is dedicated to making a college education achievable for underserved students.

Mission and Vision

The foundation's mission involves coaching and supporting students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare for and graduate from college, aiming to create transformational leaders and forge a more equitable society. Their vision is that every student should have access to a college degree by 2030, with a goal to improve college completion rates to 70% and serve over 20,000 students annually.

History

The organization was founded in 2000 as the Washington Education Foundation by Bob Craves and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins, initial members of the state's Higher Education Coordinating Board. It was established under the guidance of the Washington State 2020 Commission on the Future of Post-Secondary Education, initiated by Governor Gary Locke. In 2006, College Success Foundation-District of Columbia (CSF-DC) was established to focus on districts in the nation's capital. The organization expanded its scope in 2007 to include college preparation and support services starting from middle school, reflecting its broader geographical mission.

Programs and Services

College Success Foundation works directly with public school districts to enhance high school graduation rates and increase the number of graduates enrolling directly into college. The foundation provides scholarships, mentoring, and an integrated system of educational supports to inspire underserved students to complete high school and succeed in college. They operate in several school districts across Washington state and the District of Columbia, focusing particularly on communities with high percentages of low-income students.

Values

The organization emphasizes a student-centered focus, ensuring that student success is at the heart of all initiatives. It values collaboration by building strong partnerships with students, communities, and colleagues. The foundation also prioritizes equity and inclusion to dismantle systemic barriers affecting student opportunities based on race, socioeconomic status, and first-generation status. Lastly, it advocates for continuous learning, fostering professional growth and improvement through ongoing education and dialogue.

Impact

Through its efforts, the College Success Foundation aims to bridge the educational disparity gap, ensuring that college education is a right rather than a privilege. It has helped thousands of students overcome personal and systemic challenges to achieve their educational goals, contributing to a more equitable and just society.