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College Bound is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides academic programs and services to prepare underserved students and their families for admission into and graduation from four-year institutions of higher education. College Bound has grown from 39 students in its first year to currently serving 725 students and families.
College Bound utilizes a holistic approach to college preparation. Our Saturday School is the core and the heart of the program. We believe that the family and community must work together to adequately prepare our students for the social, emotional, intellectual, and financial challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Saturday School program's project-based structure and culturally relevant curriculum fosters academic growth and social awareness. Operating on two college campuses, our effective Saturday School program is the most innovative and student-centered program, catering to 4-11th grade students.
Our Saturday School operates on two college campuses: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and Pomona College.
Students attend Saturday School once a month from 8:30am-12:30 pm. College Bound families should check the Saturday School calendar in the Member Zone for the campus for which you are enrolled.
Yes. Parent involvement is mandatory. College Bound is not a drop-off program. Parents are required to attend Saturday School with their children.
Our Saturday School Orientation takes place in August and September depending on the campus for which you are enrolled. Check the calendar in the member Zone for the date and time.
Over 725 underserved students are served in grades 4th - 12th and college. The majority (over 90%) of participating families are African American, though College Bound also serves Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian families who are underserved. Over 70% of students reside in low-to-moderate income households primarily located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Since 1990, we have achieved key accomplishments:
- Each year, College Bound consistently places from 95% - 100% of our students into four-year institutions of higher education.
- 98% of our high school graduates complete the necessary UC/CSU A-G subject requirements for admission to college.
- Over 80% of all College Bound graduates have obtained or are scheduled to complete their undergraduate degrees within 4-6 years, nearly twice the national percentage for African American college students.
- Over 60% of all College Bound graduates pursue majors in math, science, and business related fields, where African Americans and other minorities are particularly underrepresented.
- College Bound has been instrumental in acquiring more than $20 million in academic scholarships for its students.
- More than 60% of our college graduates pursue advanced degrees.
University of California: Berkeley, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz
California State University: Fresno, Long Beach, Northridge, Sacramento, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton
Holy Names University, Hampton University, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, Georgetown University, Stanford, University of Southern California, Brown, Wiley College, Florida A&M University, Howard University, University of Michigan, Pomona College, Xavier University, Harvard, Cornell, Washington University, Dartmouth
Participation requirements are as follows: Students entering grades 4-10; minimum GPA of 2.5 (grades 4-8) and 2.8 (grades 9-10); family interview; family participation (parent & student); and fundraiser participation.
College Bound offers supplemental services for students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement. The student is also placed on the waiting list for the following year with enrollment contingent upon the student's academic progress. For more information contact us at (562) 407-2127 or email info@collegeboundca.org.
Yes. The stipend covers one student and his/her parents for the school year.
Unfortunately, not at this time. The participation stipend only covers a fraction of the cost to operate the program during the school year. Because of the specialized curriculum that our students receive, the participation stipend is required for each participant.
Yes. If you are unable to pay the full participation stipend at the time of enrollment, you can request a monthly payment plan.
We encourage all applicants to apply online. However, if for any reason, you are unable to apply online, you can submit your application to the College Bound office via U.S. mail or fax.
No. Once you have submitted your application, College Bound will review it along with your child's final report card/transcript. If you qualify, based on this initial review, College Bound staff will contact you to schedule a family interview. A final decision is made within five (5) business days and a letter confirming your admittance or denial will be mailed to you.
