Opportunity and Achievement

Scholars Program

The CDI Scholars Program provides comprehensive college counseling, targeted tutoring, test preparation, study skills, leadership training, and ongoing support, beginning in 10th grade and continuing through successful college graduation.

Services include: 

  • Weekly standardized test preparation

  • Weekly study skills workshops

  • Participation in cultural and service events

  • Curriculum planning

  • Meetings with college representatives

  • Targeted visits to college campuses

  • Testing and college application fee support

  • Creation of tailored college lists developed with students/families

  • College application assistance

  • Writing workshops and assistance with college essays

  • Assistance applying for and negotiating financial aid

  • Ongoing support and leadership training throughout college

  • Alumni networking and counseling

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Why Our Work Matters

According to the Pell Institute, only 16% of first-generation-to-college students from low-income households graduate from college within six years.

For CDI Scholars in this same demographic, 90% graduate from college.

These results come from a strategy that has been cultivated over 20 years and which rest on the principle that potential cannot turn into opportunity without support, and without support, opportunity cannot turn into success.

Since 2005, CDI has worked to reduce the achievement and opportunity gap for low-income, first-generation-to-college students with a series of programs designed to help them maximize their potential and ensure they are equipped with the academic, financial, and social-emotional tools necessary to successfully graduate from college and enter prepared into the world of work.

Become a CDI Scholar

To learn more about eligibility requirements and the application to become a CDI Scholar, click the button below.