What is College Bound?
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 over 1,000 students and families.
What makes College Bound different from other college preparatory programs?
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.
What is Saturday School?
The Saturday School program’s project-based structure and culturally relevant
curriculum fosters academic growth and social awareness. Operating on three college
campuses (CSU Long Beach, Pomona College and UCLA), our effective Saturday School
program is the most innovative and student-centered program, catering to 4-11th
grade students.
Where does Saturday School take place?
Our Saturday School operates on three college campuses: California State
University, Long Beach (CSULB), Pomona College, and University of California,
Los Angeles (UCLA).
When is Saturday School?
Students attend Saturday School once a month from 8:30am-12:30pm. College
Bound families should check the Saturday School calendar in the Member Zone
for the campus for which you are enrolled.
Are parents required to attend Saturday School?
Yes. Parent involvement is mandatory. College Bound is not a drop-off program.
Parents are required to attend Saturday School with their children.
Is there a Parent/Student Orientation?
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.
Who does College Bound serve?
Over 1,000 underserved students are served in grades 4th - 12th and college.
The majority (over 95%) 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.
What are some of College Bound’s accomplishments?
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.
- 100% of our high school graduates complete the necessary UC/CSU A-G subject requirements for admission to college; as compared to 32.4% of African American students in Los Angeles County, 24.1% in Riverside County, and 23.1% in San Bernardino County (California Department of Education, 2006-07 Graduation Data).
- 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 rate 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.
- Throughout its 17-year history, College Bound has been instrumental in acquiring more than $16 million in academic scholarships for its students.
What are some of the colleges/universities College Bound high school graduates have gone on to attend?
University of California: Berkeley, Irvine, Los Angeles, 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.
Click
here for map of schools.
What are College Bound’s eligibility requirements?
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.
I am interested in enrolling my
child, but s/he does not meet the minimum GPA requirement. How can
I get my child involved in the program?
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) 860-2127 or email
info@collegeboundca.org.
I have a rising 11th and/or 12th grader. Can we join College Bound?
We are not accepting Saturday School applications for 11th and 12 grade
students, however, there are other services available.
Is there an enrollment fee?
Yes. The stipend covers one student and his/her parents for the school
year.
I have more than one child whom I want to enroll. Is there a discount for multiple children?
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.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. If you are unable to pay the full participation stipend at the
time of enrollment, you can request a monthly payment plan.
Can I mail in my application?
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.
I submitted my application, does that mean my child is automatically
admitted?
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.
