History

Strive for College, then known as College Connections, began in the fall of 2006 at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The concept was simple: college students, having just gone through the admissions process themselves, mentor and counsel low-income high school students in the local community, guiding them through the college admissions process and into enrollment at four-year colleges and universities.

Strive’s first chapter operates through the Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program, serving students at Eskridge High School in the Wellston School District. In its first year, College Connections mentored 17 students, most of whom are now seniors applying to and enrolling in college.

In the fall of 2007, a second chapter at Washington University opened its doors, partnering with the local nonprofit College Bound St. Louis.

Our national vision was born in the summer of 2007 when Founder Michael Carter realized the potential for success and social value in communities across the country. Founding Vice Presidents Christopher K. Sopher and Ryan Winograd joined the effort to create the Strive for College Collaborative, the national organization that directs and supports the development and growth of our program.

In the two years since Strive held its first mentoring session, 45 students have participated in our program, and more than 70 percent of them have already been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

The success of Strive for College rests on the enormous potential of the student-to-student relationship, and on the power of communities to create college-bound cultures. We have been fortunate to have the support, dedication and contributions of college students and professionals alike. As we move forward, we hope to build strong educational communities and strong partnerships dedicated to providing opportunity and better futures for students.