Rhode Island Children's Crusade Reports Outstanding Results in Helping Low-income Students Achieve Goal of Going to College
College-readiness Program Announces New Name, Brand and Refined Strategic Direction
Providence, R.I. (June 26, 2007) - Now in its 18th year of nurturing the personal and academic growth of Rhode Island's disadvantaged youth, the Rhode Island Children's Crusade for Higher Education today reported outstanding results and achievements that reinforce its vital role as the state's most comprehensive college-readiness and scholarship program for students in low-income urban communities.
The organization also announced that it has changed its name to The College Crusade of Rhode Island, with a new tagline of: Inspire. Support. Believe. The new name and tagline, as well as the organization's new strategic focus, represent a bold step forward in advancing the nonprofit organization's mission to increase educational and career success for disadvantaged youth.
Today's announcement coincides with the release of the organization's annual report and with research showing that urban youth from low-income families in Rhode Island thrive and succeed when a caring adult inspires them, supports them and believes in them.
"I am proud to report a direct correlation between Crusader success and the programs and services we provide," says Mary Sylvia Harrison, President of The College Crusade of Rhode Island. "Crusaders who graduated high school in 2006 went right on to college at a significantly higher rate than their peers statewide and nationally."
Nationwide, 52 percent of low-income students go right on to college after high school. In Rhode Island, the rate for students at all income levels is 55.6 percent. The rate for Crusaders in 2006 was 70 percent.
"These Crusaders accomplished their goals because, all along the way, they had someone to inspire, support and believe in them - their College Crusade Advisors," says Harrison. "The College Crusade is a proven national model for changing the lives of students in urban schools who have limited opportunities to work their way toward college."
"The College Crusade has been and continues to be a true pioneer in the academic success of our state's young adults - Rhode Island's future leaders," says Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "We are proud of all that The College Crusade has accomplished and fully support its efforts to continue its vital work."
As part of its strategic refinement, The College Crusade is now raising the bar in its efforts to prepare students for college. Statewide, about 60 percent of students entering community college need to take developmental classes before they can begin college-level coursework. To counter this trend, The College Crusade has set itself the goal of college readiness for all Crusaders. "We want to make sure that our students are ready for college-level work from the first day of college," Harrison says.
"One step toward achieving the goal of college readiness," Harrison continues, "is to focus our programs and services on the middle school and high school years, when students are most prepared to commit to a college path. So starting this year, The College Crusade began to enroll students in the sixth grade."
The College Crusade will also continue to emphasize the importance of mentorship, which has been a hallmark of the organization since its founding in 1989. "In analyzing the data for Crusaders, it is noteworthy that our 2006 high school graduates who went right on to higher education spent twice as much time with their College Crusade Advisors," says Harrison.
"Our new name and brand completely affirm our mission of supporting students in their college aspirations and guiding them so they can overcome many economic disadvantages on their way to personal and academic success," she continues. "Our new tagline is also a clarion call to the community. All young people need adults to inspire, support and believe in them, and every citizen has a responsibility to fill these roles. We call upon members of the community to step up personally in the life of a young person and to get behind organizations like The College Crusade that help low-income students achieve their dreams."
About The College Crusade of Rhode Island
The College Crusade of Rhode Island is the state's most comprehensive college-readiness and scholarship program for middle school and high school students in low-income urban school districts. The College Crusade reaches out early to motivated students and encourages their commitment to learning. No other organization in Rhode Island provides as much long-term guidance and support for students from these communities.
The College Crusade was inspired by the idea that the consistent involvement of caring adults helps young people overcome economic and educational disadvantages. The organization's dedicated staff nurtures students' personal and academic growth, and its specially designed programs give students the tools they need to succeed in school and stay accountable to their college goals.
The College Crusade serves over 4,000 students per year and rewards the efforts and achievements of financially eligible students with up to four years of college scholarships. Since 2001, The College Crusade has awarded over $16 million in college scholarships to nearly 2,500 graduates of Rhode Island high schools.
The College Crusade is a nonprofit organization funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education's GEAR UP program, by the State of Rhode Island, and by private corporations, foundations, and individuals.
To learn more about The College Crusade of Rhode Island, visit www.thecollegecrusade.org or call 401.854.5500.
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