Check out our Fall 2012 CollegeTracks Newsletter

In the News...

 

CollegeTracks lauded for helping to build a stronger workforce for Montgomery County

 

 Nancy Leopold discussed CollegeTracks and the college admissions process on Montgomery County Cable Channel 16

 

 Bethesda Magazine, November-December 2012

"Guides to Higher Education: At two local high schools, CollegeTracks is helping underprivileged students get where they want to go"

CollegeTracks Featured on WJLA-TV Harris' Heroes Segment

CollegeTracks Featured
on NPR's Morning Edition

Washington Post Magazine, April 2009
The Admissions Gap

Washington Post Magazine, Aug 2010
Whatever Happened To…Two Promising Students

 

Also See CollegeTracks featured on
Fox 5 TV News	MCPS TV!	WJLA TV News

Watch One CollegeTracks Student’s Incredible Journey! “Oscar” from Arne Hoel on Vimeo.

Every student who graduates from high school in Montgomery County deserves the opportunity to go to college or technical school.

CollegeTracks' Mission

CollegeTracks works to improve college access and success for MCPS students most at risk of not getting to college — low-income, first generation college bound, immigrant, minority youth.

Why CollegeTracks?

Too many smart, motivated MCPS students don’t go to college, or don’t go to the college where they are most likely to succeed, simply because they don’t know how to apply and get financial aid.

CollegeTracks helps kids who know no adult with enough experience in the American higher education system to guide them through the complicated admission and financial aid process.

The CollegeTracks Model

Full-time CollegeTracks staff and volunteers work individually with students and families at Wheaton and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Schools to advise and support them through the milestone activities required to get admitted to college and find enough financial aid to attend.

CollegeTracks' Impact

Since 2003, CollegeTracks served more than 2100 students. In 2011-12, 600 junior and senior high school students received College Admissions and Financial Aid Advising services and 120 college students received College Success Advising.

CollegeTracks Access Impact 2011-12:

• All of CollegeTracks’ 330 seniors gained acceptance to one of more than 200 colleges/technical schools ranging from the most selective to non-selective schools. Sixty-three percent were admitted to 4-year colleges.
• Ninety-nine percent of those eligible submitted the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Consequently, CollegeTracks 2012 seniors were offered more than $6 million in grants and loans.

CollegeTracks College Success Impact 2011-12

• Of the 1225 CollegeTracks students who graduated from high school in 2008 – 2011, 83% enrolled in college within a year of high school graduation, a rate that exceeded the average enrollment rate for all MCPS students (74%).
• Of the CollegeTracks students who enrolled in college, 91% persisted to a second semester, 93% to a third, and 87% to a fourth.
• CollegeTracks students who chose to enroll in the College Success Program enrolled and persisted at rates even higher rates – 96% enrolled, 91% persisted to a second semester, 100% to a third, and 95% to a fourth.