Celebrating
College Track's
25th anniversary

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Our Philosophy

At College Track, we firmly believe that a bachelor’s degree remains the best predictor of economic mobility, civic engagement, lifelong wellness, and self-agency. By serving students from low-income communities who will become the first in their family to graduate from college, we fulfill the promise of higher education for generations to come. Our work is rooted at the intersection of educational equity and racial justice, setting the stage for our students to thrive in careers where people of color have been historically underrepresented.

Our Mission

Equip students confronting systemic barriers to earn a bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a life of opportunity, choice, and power.

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The Ripple Effect

Families

When students become the first in their family to earn a college degree, they set a precedent that lasts generations. Children of bachelor's degree holders are more than twice as likely to earn a higher education.

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Communities

College graduates not only serve as role models for future generations, they are also twice as likely to participate in their community through voting, volunteering, and community service.

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Societies

An educated populace not only positively impacts our economy and diversifies the workforce, it also strengthens our citizenry and gives voice to our most vulnerable communities.

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The challenges I’ve overcome have made me realize that pain is only for the moment, but quitting is forever. So quitting is not actually an option. With the support of College Track, I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to Bard College through Posse New Orleans-and one of only 20 students out of more than 650 to win!

Troy Simon | College Track New Orleans, Bard College graduate

From the moment I joined College Track, the journey to discovering my potential and harnessing my voice took flight. I attended Whittier College with $28,000 in annual scholarships and  I couldn’t have done it without my College Track family.

Adela Lopez | College Track Boyle Heights, Whittier College graduate

One thing I’ve realized as an alum is that the longer you are with College Track, the more you recognize the impact they’ve had in your life. I am especially reminded of this when I think about how life has turned out so differently for me compared to my fellow 8th graders who didn’t apply to College Track. I am only one of sixty to enroll in college and my success has impacted my entire family.

Roger Zamora | College Track East Palo Alto, Saint Mary's College graduate

The most exciting part of my 10-year journey with College Track is being a mentor for incoming freshmen because it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and provided me with the leadership skills and self-confidence to succeed long after I graduate from college. I feel like can speak up for myself, because no one else can tell my story but me. 

Tori Nichols | College Track Sacramento, University of California Berkeley student

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Your Future, Within Reach

12 centers, endless possibilities.

We embed ourselves in some of America’s most historically disadvantaged communities, where talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We recruit first-generation students who are determined to earn a four-year college degree and will leverage the power of their education to change the narrative for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Our student centers are not just spaces of learning and exploration; they are safe and supportive environments where a diversity of voices and perspectives are heard and valued. College Track isn’t just a program. It’s a second home.

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College Track in the News

Liberal Arts Colleges to Keep Prioritizing Diversity

In this article published by Inside Higher Ed, members of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA) have pledged to collaborate with college access organizations such as College Track to further promote the academic achievement of students from historically excluded groups. This initiative aims to address potential challenges that may arise from two impending Supreme Court rulings that could potentially limit race-based admissions practices.

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UC Merced and College Track Announce Official Partnership to Democratize Potential

UC Merced and College Track Partner to Democratize Potential through Higher Education Merced, CA (April…

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Higher Education Thought Leader Mildred García Joins College Track’s Board

Dr. García is President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the first Latina to lead one of the six presidentially based higher education associations in Washington, D.C.

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