A MILLION STARS INC

Recognized as one of the best college access-and-success organizations in the country, College Bound (CB) was founded on the belief that education is the foundation of a just society. Through academic support, mental health services, guidance through the college application process, and career readiness activities, CB challenges systemic racism and classism that have long disadvantaged Black, Brown, and first-generation students.

College Bound programming is year-round, from the beginning of sophomore year of high school through college graduation. Students experience CB's classes and tutoring in biweekly classes from September through May. Classes include college knowledge, social emotional and financial literacy curricula, growth mindset development, and career readiness. CB's workforce curriculum is drawn exclusively through evidence-based sources and highlights 21st century workforce skills, including professional communication and presentation skills, problem soling and critical thinking, resume writing and interviewing. Business tours and job shadowing are also offered to build on learning and expose students to jobs and careers outside of what they experience in their daily lives. CB also provides robust ACT prep and academic support for high school juniors, with a particular focus on math content. These students receive intensive ACT prep for 17 weeks. Instruction focuses on ACT strategies and test-taking techniques as well as academic content. CB coaches mentor and coach students through reflection, confidence building, and combating test-taking anxiety. CB students take three ACT practice tests in preparation for the real ACT in April and also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental ACT math and reading instruction.

Beginning the summer after 11th grade, CB's rising 12th grade students participate in programming geared specifically to provide college application support. Students participate in sessions to write their college essays and visit college campuses of interest. During fall of senior year, students work intensively with CB's 12th grade team to select and apply for best-fit colleges. During these months, 12th grade students are also working with coaches to complete FAFSA forms and apply for student aid. Tutoring is offered to all College Bound students, six days/week. Our Academic Development team is staffed by experienced educators who make themselves available to students Sunday - Friday.

College Bound Summer Institute (CBSI) is an eight-week summer program for CB's rising high school juniors and seniors. Designed to mitigate summer learning loss and give students their first chance to earn transferrable college credit, CBSI is an intensive program that builds on students' core competencies and proficiencies.

College Bound's College Completion programming begins in the second semester of 12th grade. CB coaches remain active in students' lives until they earn a degree. The core of CB's program for collegians is coaching via intensive advising and 1:1 case management. Student success is monitored through evidence-based milestones and indicators. Most coaching happens remotely: by phone, Zoom, text, and social media.