College Bound AZ Information

We remove the barriers to college for underrepresented students. We serve students 14-24 years old in the Phoenix East Valley with college access. Our services include mentoring, college guidance, support services and workshops to promote success through higher education. Over 90% of our participants are First Generation students whose parents did not complete a four-year degree. Statistically one in eight low-income student completes college. We believe that socio-economic status should not be a barrier to college success. We are founded on the Six-Step Critical Path method we created to ensure student success through academic and personal development. We are 90% successful in transitioning students to college. Our programs include a weekly 8th grade after school program where mentors meet with students who learn the steps to college success. These sessions are presented by volunteer school faculty. Our high school program features monthly workshops at a local university. Freshmen and sophomores focus on community service for personal development. Juniors receive intense ACT/SAT preparation and workshops to prepare resumes and Letters of Recommendation among other college-going features. Seniors follow the Senior Success Track to complete the final portions of the Critical Path and enter college. Support continues in college to resolve remaining obstacles, including scholarships, to allow students to complete their education. Through our high school and college programs, the first student graduated college in 2013 and now lives and works in the Phoenix East Valley. One of our most important features are the mentors. Mentors provide career guidance and life skill coaching. They serve to provide College Bound participants with the confidence for educational success.