College Access: Research & Action (CARA)

College Access: Research & Action (CARA) works with schools, universities and community-based organizations to ensure that first-generation college students, low-income students, and students of color have the knowledge and support necessary to enroll in and persist through college. CARA both helps educational institutions develop comprehensive infrastructure to support their students, and empowers and trains a range of young people (high school & college students) to work as Peer Leaders within their own school communities.

MFF funding allows CARA to provide expanded opportunities to senior Peer Leaders through customized trainings, career mentorship, and individualized research projects.

“Our partnership with CARA has been a game changer in terms of how we approach college access and post-secondary planning. It has allowed us to shift college access from the college office to the entire school community, by building understanding that post-secondary planning for all students needs as much attention as our core academic subject areas. ”