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
- Colleges Can Do More to Find 'Strivers:' Low-income students can overcome the odds to do quite well despite disadvantages
Sun Sep 19 2010, The Chronicle of Higher Education
The nation's most-selective colleges say they want to admit more low-income students yet the numbers remain stubbornly low.
- Whatever Happened to Two Promising Students?
Sun Aug 8 2010, Washington Post
... students whose parents may not be as familiar with the process also can manage if they get help from supportive adults.
- The Admissions Gap
Sun Apr 12 2009, Washington Post
After years of muted criticism. . . a growing chorus of concern about increasing inequalities in access to higher education.
Budget (FY2013)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for CollegeTracks is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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