Low-income and first-generation students face long odds on the path to earning a college degree: their graduation rate is just 16% nationwide. CDI provides 270 first-generation high schoolers with the wraparound support they need – from 10th grade through college graduation. It provides comprehensive college advising, individualized test prep, support in identifying "best-fit" schools, negotiation of aid packages, and one-on-one assistance through college that includes wellness counseling. When students are ready to graduate, the Career Mentoring Initiative provides coaching, access to workforce opportunities, and connections to accomplished professionals in their chosen fields. Additionally, the School Support program provides coaching that improves college advising for 3,000 students in Maryland and DC. Each year 100% of CDI scholars are admitted to selective four-year schools with average grants and scholarships of $36,000 – and a 97% graduation rate.
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