Why We Exist?
Students Are Eager to Learn But Only a Few Become College Graduates
Before reaching college low-income students often face barriers in schools that truncate student learning. They attend schools that are quick to criminalize typical misbehavior and schools that are less likely to accommodate ESL (English as a second language) and SPED (special education) students. They attend schools that are less likely to offer a full high school math curriculum or advanced coursework in math, literacy or science. These barriers contribute to the academic deficiencies low-income students show on math and literacy assessments. This under-performance later translates into low college readiness rates which in turn explains why the vast majority of low-income minorities do not earn a college degree.
Although students face barriers that keep them from exploring their academic potential, many show an incredible drive to learn and succeed. College Factor was created to reach these students and give them the opportunity to reach academic excellence.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Students want to get a college degree ...
126% increase in college enrollment for Latinos and 73% for Blacks between 2000 and 2015.
3.7 million students of the 2015 class took the SAT or the ACT compared to 3.2 million for the class of 2011.
... but they are struggling along the way ...
57% of low-income Hispanic and African American students drop out of college
80% of Black and Latino students who took the 2015 SAT were not college ready.
92% of high-achieving low-income students do not apply to schools that closely match their abilities
... in the end only a few become college graduates.
13% of STEM degrees are earned by minorities
19% of Latinos and Blacks hold a bachelor's degree or higher
9% of low income students get a bachelor’s degree by age 24 compared to 77% of high-income students