The Impact
(Our accessible educational programs can be found at Elitewritings.com.)
CCC is filling an existing gap in college access programs by serving youth in grades 8th and 9th. We help students build a framework for success in education and the workforce and a basic understanding of the possibilities that exist for them. Our programs help them understand that these options are for them and learn the steps they need to take to make them a reality.
CCC's programs also lay a foundation for the work that other quality college access programs do in the upper high school grades when it is time to apply for college and financial aid. Without early exposure programming during their formative years, many students will not seek out the help of these programs because they have dropped out of school or just don’t see college as a real or relevant option for them.
In addition to contributing to increased high school graduation and college going rates, CCC's programs help prepare students for success in the workforce, which is a significant indicator of their future socio economic status and affects their quality of life.
- The Need: Approximately 50% of DC students graduate from high school. Of these graduates, 9% citywide and 5% living east of the Anacostia River attend and graduate from college within five years. The national averages are 68% and 23%.
- CCCs Intended Impact: Increase the rates of high school and college graduation by creating opportunities for students to become familiar with the college experience and understand the connection between their current choices and the successful pursuit of college.
- The Need: Students often lack an understanding of the connection between their education and their future. In a study for the Gates Foundation, 81% of high school drop outs stated that students need to see the connection between school and getting a good job. (Bridgeland, J., et al, 2006)
- CCC's Intended Impact: Increase the number of students who complete college and successfully pursue a career of interest by helping students build a basic understanding of career options, the realities of the workforce, and the connection between education and careers.