In an increasingly knowledge-based economy, the number of jobs available to adults without at least some post-secondary education is declining rapidly, and the earnings gap between jobs requiring a degree and those that do not is widening. Increasing the number of college graduates has a positive impact on the lives of youth today, and can help break the cycle of poverty for future generations.

This toolkit is designed to expand the dialogue about what it takes to better prepare students for success in college. It shares practices and tools used by organizations that have designed and implemented comprehensive college success programs,including The Bronx Lab School, Eastside College Prep, Foundation for a College Education (FCE), and YES Prep Public Schools. The practices profiled in this toolkit include: college knowledge, college guidance, financial support, transition support, and family engagement.

This publication is the latest installment in NewSchools’ ongoing efforts to highlight the work of the entrepreneurial ventures we support and others who are pioneering new ways to dramatically improve public education. By enabling entrepreneurs to share their ideas, knowledge, and practices with one another and with the wider field, we hope to accelerate the improvement of public education for underserved students.

Full Toolkit: Case Study and Toolkit (PDF, 96 pages)
Case Study Only (PDF, 21 pages)
Toolkit Only (ZIP, 30 documents)