Unfortunately, youth from underserved communities often face a different reality. Across the United States, less than 10% of students from low-income families earn college degrees; young adults with a bachelor’s degree earn 55% more than those with only a high school diploma. Nationwide, of every 100 students who start high school, only 23 earn a college degree within five years of high school graduation; in Chicago, only 16 do so.
The ¿ìè Forward Team supports ¿ìè Chicago alumni in developing the tools and knowledge needed to attain a college degree. By offering a mix of programs and services designed to reach every student and family — from one-on-one student meetings to financial aid counseling, academic advising, life skills training, mentoring, college guidance, and more — ¿ìè Forward provides ¿ìè Chicago Schools alumni with the tools for success in high school, college, and the competitive world beyond.
Partner universities commit to not only admitting ¿ìè students, but also providing critical resources once those students are on campus to ensure that the students remain on track for a college degree. Current ¿ìè college partners include Vanderbilt University, Spelman College, Franklin and Marshall College, Colby College, and many more.
