Montgomery County boasts one of the finest public school systems in the nation, yet some students never go to college, and many who do never graduate. Standardized tests, application essays, and financial aid forms can prove daunting for low-income households and first-generation-to-college students and families. Serving everyone in its partner schools who needs help – no screening for grades or test scores – CollegeTracks helps students articulate their goals, choose the right schools, prepare for tests, and negotiate financial aid packages. Last year 99% of CollegeTracks seniors were accepted to college or vocational school, 50% to four-year colleges. Crafting a thorough plan for classes and extracurriculars, and providing personal and academic support throughout the college years, helps students persist at rates equal to their more affluent peers (and better than the national average). You can give these scholars the tools they need to succeed.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: MD-Montgomery County; CollegeTracks works with Wheaton HS, Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS and Watkins Mill HS students.

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Students; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Schools They Work In: Wheaton HS, Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS and Watkins Mill HS

Awards & Recognition

2015-White House Bright Spot Award for Educational Excellence in Service to the Hispanic Community
2015-Nonprofit of the Year Award from Montgomery County, MD, Department of Economic Development
2010 College Access Executive Leadership Award from the National College Access Network - October 2010
Received a 12th Annual Distinguished Service to Public Education Award from the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education - October 2008

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for CollegeTracks is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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