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Career and College Readiness Accelerator Program
In late 2025, we will be launching a high school mentorship program with the purpose of investing in Black and low-income high schoolers in the DMV area. Through career exploration opportunities, leadership development workshops, and one-on-one mentorship, this program aims to equip students with the tools, connections, and confidence needed to navigate the professional world.
By fostering early exposure to diverse career pathways and building a strong support network, we strive to empower these students to envision and pursue a future of limitless possibilities, breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for success.
Program Overview
Customized career pathways with assessments to align strengths with opportunities
Workshops on college applications, interviews, and post-high school options
Focus on building confidence and long-term career success through exposure to diverse industries and aptitude assessments
Customized career pathways with assessments to align strengths with opportunities
The Research
Key Fact #1:
Only 3% of high-achieving low-income students in the U.S. graduate from selective colleges, compared to 72% of high-achieving high-income students. Yet, graduating from a selective college allows students from the lowest economic quartile to reach the highest economic quartile within 10 years. (Source: U.S. Chamber Foundation)
Key Fact #2:
A majority of high school graduates (75%) felt moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared for life after high school. Over half of college students (53%) reported changing their college major at least twice after starting higher education.
(Source: Youscience)
Key Fact #3:
While efforts to increase college enrollment among low-income students have seen some success, the bigger issue is completion. Nearly half of college students, especially those from low-income and minority backgrounds, drop out before earning a degree. (Source: Brookings)