College Track at 25

A Letter from Our Co-Founder and CEO

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of College Track in 2023, we have been reflecting on the journey of this organization, from our first cohort of 25 ninth graders in East Palo Alto, to our nearly 5,000 alumni, high school, and college scholars around the country today. Twenty-five years since our inception, College Track’s mission—equipping students confronting systemic barriers to earn a bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a life of opportunity, choice, and power—remains as urgent and vital as ever. “

Laurene Powell Jobs
Co-Founder & Chair of Board of Directors

Shirley M. Collado, Ph.D.
College Track President & CEO

“I remember those early days in the East Palo Alto center like they were yesterday. Today, that first class of 25 students and a thousand more are out in the world proving that no one’s ZIP code should define their future. As College Track’s first employee, I couldn’t be more proud of our scholars and what they’ve been able to achieve, in partnership with so many communities across the country.”

Marshall Lott
Vice President of Site Support and Founding Executive Director, East Palo Alto