Disrupting the Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty Through Education

ABOUT COLLEGE SUCCESS FOUNDATION College Success Foundation (CSF) inspires underserved, low-income students to finish high school and graduate from college by providing an integrated system of support services and scholarships that prepares students to succeed in school and life. “If I’m not helping somebody, I’m not fulfilling my time here on Earth.” — CSF scholar Rashai Lee

COLLEGE SUCCESS FOUNDATION HISTORY AND OVERVIEW CSF evolved from former Governor Gary Locke’s 2020 Commission on the Future of Post-Secondary Education. Recommended establishing an independent, NPO to build and sustain public understanding of the need for higher levels of educational attainment and lifelong learning. Established in 2000 by Bob Craves and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was instrumental in CSF’s funding.

COLLEGE SUCCESS FOUNDATION HISTORY AND OVERVIEW CSF employs an integrated system of direct student support services grounded in theory and best practice. Serve as a leader in statewide capacity-building for college access and completion in Washington State and Washington, D.C. In Washington State, CSF provides college awareness, readiness and access support to students in middle schools and high schools in five school districts.

v WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT? THE POVERTY FACTOR Just 10 percent of low-income students earn a bachelor’s degree, compared to 80 percent of higher income students. Nearly one-quarter of American children live in poverty. Nearly 38 and 34 percent of Black and Hispanic children, respectively, live in poverty, compared to 12 percent of white children. LOW-INCOME STUDENTS EARNING BACHELOR’S DEGREES 10% HIGH-INCOME STUDENTS EARNING BACHELOR’S DEGREES 80%

WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT? THE POVERTY FACTOR Food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and homelessness are just a few of the challenges that children living in poverty face every day. Poverty contributes to poor academic achievement, dropout rates, juvenile delinquency and social/emotional challenges. Without academic opportunities, children living in poverty are likely to stay in poverty.

WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT? THE POVERTY FACTOR By participating in CSF programs, students in poverty have more opportunities to succeed. CSF Scholars graduate from high school and college at higher rates than their peers. The siblings of CSF Scholars have a greater likelihood of attending and graduating from college. CSF Scholars often give back to their home communities after graduating by helping younger students navigate the college- planning process. Armed with a college degree, CSF Scholars take the first step in pulling themselves and their families out of poverty for good.

WHAT MAKES CSF DIFFERENT? DISRUPTING THE CYCLE OF INTERGENERATIONAL POVERTY CSF serves students who likely would not go to college without our help. Eighty percent of CSF scholars are the first in their family to pursue higher education. CSF also focuses on youth in foster care, students of color and those from families with low incomes.

REGIONAL-LEVEL STRATEGY IN ACTION

CSF’s NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION Regional model: Site directors oversee local programs. Replicable models in place in Tacoma, Spokane and Washington, DC. Next up: Seattle, with future sites based on defined criteria.

CSF’s EVOLUTION S.T.A.R.S. Scholarship administration. Training and technical assistance. Advocacy. Research. Student support services.

CSF’s NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ROLE Monitor, engage and influence key issues. Serve as trusted advisor on Capitol Hill and in the Administration. Work to expand strategic collaborations and partnerships.

CSF’s NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ROLE Model and expand the success of pairing wrap-around services with scholarships. Build capacity of direct-service providers and other nonprofits to leverage greater reach and impact. Collaborate with stakeholders to advance a cradle-to- career approach to education for Washington youth.

Next Steps for College Bound Ensuring Success – Practices College Bound support Replicate Road Map region’s CBS support event. Maintain high College Bound sign-ups, increased emphasis on high school including FAFSA completion. CSF will continue to offer trainings and technical support. Designate College Bound support staff at community/technical colleges in student services and financial aid offices.

Next Steps for College Bound Ensuring Success – Policies Support Washington Student Achievement Council’s work to strengthen State Need Grant efforts. Address and modify policies and practices that are barriers to transitioning to college. o Standardize financial aid award letters. o Revise and implement college placement practice. Easing students’ transition through improved district and college collaboration.

Yolanda Watson Spiva, Ph.D. President and CEO