College Bound targets underserved 8th-12th grade public school students who have the drive and desire to attend college. Students meet weekly with mentors to work on math, SAT prep, and the college admissions process. CB also sponsors career and college fairs, takes students on college tours, and offers over $175,000 annually in scholarships. Its Virtual Mentoring Program (VMP) helps students navigate college life once they're there. For the last eight years, 100% of seniors have graduated high school and been accepted into college. Over the last two years, VMP helped 88% of them return to college for their second year (a key indicator of success). With seven locations throughout the city, and 150 additional enrichment opportunities for students during the academic year, College Bound is making college completion a reality for DC’s young people. What a difference that makes.

COVID-19 Update: When the city closed down, College Bound moved quickly to create a virtual outline that would mirror their in-person academic support services. As a result, they graduated 56 seniors during their virtual End of the Year celebration and awarded $180,000 in scholarships. Programs continue online – until the world reopens.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; Edgewood; Sherwood; Northwest One; Capitol Hill; Brentwood; Georgetown

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Students

Schools They Work In: Cesar Chavez; Community College of the District of Columbia

Awards & Recognition

2009 Best of Washington Award in the Individual & Family Services category by the US Commerce Association, Oct 2009

Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC - Community Service Award, 2008

Press

  • Mentoring Focuses on Building Relationships in Addition to Grades
    Tue Jan 31 2012, PBS news Hour  
    American Graduate sat down with a mentor and mentee from College Bound to talk about how their relationship has grown over the years.
    connect here

Budget (FY2013)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for College Bound is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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