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Urban minority youth face enormous challenges in the pursuit of higher education, including a lack of financial resources, inadequate emotional and social support, and a poor understanding of the college application process. As high school diplomas and college degrees become increasingly prevalent and necessary in society, urban education challenges such as the following perpetuate the cycle of poverty:
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Every year, countless low-income high school graduates who could succeed in college do not go to college: 31% of Black and Hispanic students enroll in college, compared to 68% of Caucasian students; of these students, only 17% attend four-year colleges or universities. |
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For the Class of 2006, approximately 59.7% of seniors graduated from New York City public high schools on time. Of these graduates, the numbers who enroll in college remains alarmingly low – less than 50%. |
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A high school graduate has an annual salary 35% higher than that of a high school dropout; a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree has an annual salary 116% greater. |
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The guidance counselor shortage is a national and local problem: the average caseload for a high school guidance counselor is 500 to 1. |
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In New York City public high schools less than 50% of students graduate; of those, less than 50% go to college. |
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Low-income students often do not receive sufficient information and encouragement about college. |
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Many students are the first in their families to attend college and there is often a misconception about the cost, application requirements and financial aid options. |
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Low-income minority students are being hit even harder as the cost of college continues to increase and public funding is cut. |
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Sources: NYC Department of Education,
National Center for Education Statistics and National
Association of College Admissions Counseling. |
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 There is clearly a need to help more low-income students of color learn about and participate in the college process early on, starting in their middle and high school careers. YWLF created CollegeBound Initiative to address these challenges and meet this critical need. We are the only full-time school-based program working with every student in a school as early as 6th grade. The success of CBI is a powerful testament to the importance of effective college guidance to increase college enrollment and to help break cycles of poverty for underserved youth.
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