LPS Annual Enrichment Fund

College Support Initiative

Leadership Public Schools has high expectations: our mission is to send 100% of our graduates to college. Yet most of our students will be first generation college students and, as such, are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to the college-application process. They know little about how to prepare and apply for college, seek financial aid, or how to succeed once they are there. According to data from the US Department of Education, low income and minority students are less likely than other students to explore an array of college options, to take college admissions tests, or to complete admission procedures — even if they are college-qualified.

Why Support the LPS College Initiative?

Only 1 in 10 minority high school students in the US today is likely to graduate from college within 4 years.

Each year 200,000 low income students graduate from high school qualified to go to college — but don't.

Seventy-five percent of potential college students who are Latino indicated they would have been more likely to attend if they had better information about financial aid.
Lack of information, guidance, and resources should not prevent capable and motivated students from attending college. LPS is committed to overcoming these barriers. This means not only offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, but providing comprehensive college support services.

The cost of applying to and choosing a college can cost several hundred dollars – at a minimum. There are fees for everything: applications, SAT or ACT exams; mailing extra copies of scores to schools; and college visits. Students for whom English is not their first language – 40% of the LPS student body – can face another cost – $130 for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). SAT preparation courses such as those offered by Kaplan and the Princeton Review typically run $800-$900; even when reduced rates are offered, such courses are beyond the financial reach of LPS students. Campus visits present additional expenses. Even a car trip of a few days can cost several hundred dollars for hotels, meals, and gas.

With your help, we can provide:
  • A college counselor at each school, critical to our success in sending 100% of our graduates to college
  • A college resource library, with computers, software, and college brochures
  • SAT prep for low income students
  • The College Summit program, providing teachers and students with paper and online curriculum on how to navigate the college maze
  • College application fees for students who cannot afford them and who do not qualify for fee waivers
  • Supplemental college counseling for students seeking out-of-state college opportunities
  • Transportation costs for college tours
  • Post graduation support from organizations like Inside Track for our students who are in college to reduce dropout risk

Every child benefits from the Annual Enrichment Fund. Even a small gift has a big impact. You can choose which enrichment area you would like to support and start making a difference in the lives of students throughout the Bay Area today.

To make your online donation today, please click here. To find out more about the Annual Enrichment Fund, please contact Dr. Ann Reidy, Development Director, (415) 695-0669 (x216).