Program.

CARS is a free, cohort-based college pathway program for underserved students, most of whom are first-in-family attendees. We provide academic enrichment and college literacy on a 5-year journey through their first year of college.

Focus.

A primary objective of CARS is to increase the 4-year college graduation rate of students who enter low income, underserved high schools in the 9th Grade with B and C averages. This group can represent approximately 40% of the student population at Leuzinger and many similar high schools. Our belief is that many students (and their parents/guardians) in the B/C stratum fall through the cracks of traditional college access programming simply because they don't know what they don't know. CARS endeavors to fix that by helping the students and their respective families chart a path to a college education.

Pathways.

Academic Enrichment

Academic Enrichment improves student performance. All incoming 9th graders start the program with a Learning Skills Boot Camp. The course material focuses on topics such as time management, basic grammar and punctuation, vocabulary, memorization techniques and other basic skills. Student performance and behavior expectations for CARS are also covered. Other attributes of Academic Enrichment include A-G (core courses required by Cal State University and University of California systems), Course Tutoring, and GPA Monitoring.

College Literacy

College Literacy teaches students how to navigate the college system. All cohort members and their respective parents/guardians receive extensive information on topics pertinent to gaining college entrance. We provide A-G Course Sequence (class schedule) Advisement and Monitoring (academic audit), College Admission and Financial Aid Process, Advisement for Students and Parents/Guardians, Capstone for College Project, College Selection Guidance, Area College Visits with Parents/Guardians, Career Exploration Field Trips.