College Access
Why this matters
No student should feel that college is out of reach. But the journey is complicated – and when students can’t see a clear path forward, they can lose momentum and access. Continuous improvement helps us build support into the system – so all young people can take meaningful steps toward a choice-filled future.
For many students and families, applying to college can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. It can be daunting for students even to imagine and evaluate college environments where they could thrive – let alone take the steps to get there. The process can push many young people – especially first-generation students – toward thinking maybe they just aren’t “college material” after all.
Our existing application systems simply aren’t designed to promote clarity or confidence for students. That’s where we improvers come in.
Through continuous improvement, we’re changing how this process works for young people and their families. We’re building ideas to demystify and scaffold each step. We’re finding ways to provide the knowledge, support, and encouragement students need to navigate their options, applications, financial aid, and college decisions.
Together, we can design systems that help every young person make exciting, empowered choices about their future. Join in – and let’s connect all our students with all their opportunities.
CARPE Collaborative
College Access, Powered by Equity and Improvement
For seven years, we have partnered with schools to help more underserved students get to and through college. Educators use continuous improvement tools to remove barriers, foster belonging, and boost enrollment. It’s not just about access—it’s about lasting outcomes. Together, we’re building systems that make college possible for more students, year after year.
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Over and over, folks in our networks, particularly classroom teachers, have come to us and said, Thank you. You don’t think we’re broken. You think we are the solution.
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Over and over, folks in our networks, particularly classroom teachers, have come to us and said, Thank you. You don’t think we’re broken. You think we are the solution.
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Looking at focus students, being able to identify trends and be able to apply very clear, specific change ideas is what I believe our school and teacher community needed to continue to grow.
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Looking at focus students, being able to identify trends and be able to apply very clear, specific change ideas is what I believe our school and teacher community needed to continue to grow.
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Spotlight Stories
Who else is working on this problem?
Who else is working
on this problem?
Improvers like you are redesigning college access for students and families. Learn how our partners are creating support structures that work – and join us in expanding access and opportunity for all young people.
