COLLEGE TRACK EXPANDS UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS, EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

[Oakland, CA – September 10, 2024] – College Track, the leading national organization dedicated to supporting the academic and personal growth of first-generation and underserved students, proudly announces its latest strategic partnerships with DePauw University, San Francisco Bay University, Trinity University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These alliances mark a significant milestone in expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the pipeline of talented individuals from underrepresented communities to thrive in their academic pursuits and beyond.

“As we grow our nationwide network of partner colleges and universities, we grow our movement to democratize potential,” said Shirley M. Collado, Ph.D., College Track President & CEO. “The broad scope of academic programs, locations, and student-centered opportunities represented by these four institutions reflect the depth of talent and interests that reside in communities like ours, all across the country. It is an honor to build a new educational landscape alongside the leaders of our new partner institutions–and our 14 existing partners–as well as their campus communities.”

Among the agreements is the collaboration with San Francisco Bay University, where College Track scholars who participate in the Startup Scholars program will receive a remarkable opportunity. San Francisco Bay University will provide a $10,000 investment to selected Startup Scholars to kickstart a passion project of their choice. This initiative signifies a transformative partnership that will empower students to channel their entrepreneurial spirit and effect meaningful change in their communities.

Other key highlights of the cohort partnerships include:

Financial commitment: To underscore its belief in the importance of these partnerships, each university will offer financial support to its cohort.
Immersive experiences: DePauw, Trinity, and SFBU will provide fly-in opportunities for students. Also, all College Track scholars will receive invitations to participate in UMBC’s Summer Bridge, a program that helps incoming first-year students understand the college academics environment and explore campus resources.

Following the announcement of the Baltimore Ravens, The Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation and M&T Bank’s $20 million donation to establish a College Track center in Baltimore to support Baltimore City Public School, the partnership with UMBC solidifies College Track’s position as a significant contributor in the city’s educational landscape.

“UMBC’s tradition of academic and scholarly achievement is rooted in our understanding that there can be no excellence without inclusion; providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds is central to our core mission,” said UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby. “Partnering with College Track will allow us to ensure that first generation students and students from underserved communities have all the tools they need to reach their full potential.”

Through these new university partnerships, College Track continues to support underserved students in overcoming obstacles, harnessing their capabilities, and attaining academic success. The organization remains resolute in its commitment to preparing students to be the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and to make a meaningful impact on society.

About College Track
College Track’s mission is to democratize potential by equipping students confronting systemic barriers to earn a bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a life of opportunity, choice, purpose, and power. Today, more than 4,000 College Track high school and college students from underserved communities in California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the D.C. Metro Area are moving toward their goal to become the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Across the nation, our 1,100 alumni embody a vision of equity rooted in possibility and progress. Ninety percent of our students are first-generation college students, and 84 percent are from underserved communities. They earn their bachelor’s degrees at more than two and a half times the rate of their first-generation peers. To learn more about College Track and the impactful work being done to support first-generation and underserved students, visit collegetrack.org.

Contacts
Christy Johnson, College Track: crjohnson@collegetrack.org

Gaelyn Rose, DePauw University: gaelynrose@depauw.edu

Cherie Parker, University of Maryland, Baltimore County: cheriepa@umbc.edu