College Success Network
Recent studies have found that only 26% of low-income and 41% of minority students who enroll in college earn a degree. ACI’s College Success Network is a statewide program of academic, personal and financial support designed to improve the performance of minority, low-income and first generation students, guiding them to graduate. The first group of students enrolled across 13 member colleges in 2006, and by 2010, 65% of the first group graduated in 4 years, a significantly higher rate than other at-risk students nationwide. This program has proven to give students the motivation and understanding they need along the way to do well in college and achieve a lifetime of success.
Key to College Success Network’s accomplishments is the comprehensive support and services provided, including:
- Scholarships
- Emergency loan funds
- Book vouchers
- Intensive academic and personal advising
- Leadership seminars
- Tutoring
- Study skills seminars
ACI Success Story
"The one thing I wanted to do above everything else was go to college and graduate. It seemed impossible with everything that was going on in my life."
Melody wanted nothing more than to go to college. Raised in a low-income household, she worked part-time during high school to help offset the family’s expenses. “The one thing I wanted to do above everything else was go to college and graduate,” says Melody. “It seemed impossible with everything that was going on in my life.” A friend told Melody to visit the University of St. Francis (USF), and it was a perfect fit. “It was close to home and a Catholic, Franciscan university that had strong beliefs in the liberal arts, not to mention a wonderful education program.” When USF’s financial aid officers saw Melody’s potential, they enrolled her in ACI’s College Success Network, a program designed to increase the number of first generation, low-income, and minority students who successfully earn college degrees. ACI’s College Success Network provided Melody with the scholarship and other assistance she needed to realize her aspirations. She is now majoring in elementary education at USF. Melody says: “Without ACI’s College Success Network, there would be no way I could afford my dream school.”