A college degree can be a springboard out of poverty, offering the chance at a better job, greater lifetime earnings, even better lifetime health. But the persistent educational gap affecting poor and minority students in the United States can preclude liftoff – even for those who graduate high school but lack the skills to thrive in higher education.

We believe the right interventions at the right times can help these students persist and excel through college. At both the high school and college level, we support holistic programs that support disadvantaged but determined students grappling with the daily challenges that come from living in impoverished communities. We focus on programs like Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and College Forward that:

• Offer preparation for college entrance exams
• Encourage students to pursue rigorous coursework such as advanced placement courses  that significantly increase their likelihood of success in college
• Help high school students foster the life skills they need to make the transition to campus life
• Provide ongoing environmental and social support through tutoring, mentoring and coaching
• Encourage students to participate in scholarship programs like our Dell Scholars Program
• Increase students’ knowledge of the financial aid system so they exit college with lower debt