Because of the growing need for a postsecondary degree in almost every occupation in today’s job market, we cannot ignore these college graduation gaps. In order to ensure that the next generation is aptly prepared to navigate an increasingly competitive global economic environment, the U.S. must broaden our focus from getting students “into” college to getting students “through” college.

59% of all students who start a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college end up with a degree six years later. Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. 2014)

22% of low-income students who were “college-intending” at high school graduation “melted” during the summer (never showed up to college).
Source: “A trickle or a torrent? Understanding the extent of summer ‘melt’ among college-intending high school graduates.” 2013.

9% of low-income students earn a bachelor’s degree by their mid 20s, compared with 77% of their wealthy peers.
Source: ``Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States, 45 Year Trend Report.`` 2015

African American students earn bachelors’ degrees at one-half (18%), and Latino students at one-third (11%) the rate of white students (34%)
Source: “Promise Abandoned: How Policy Choices and Institutional Practices Restrict College Opportunities,” The Education Trust. 2006.

Students from homes where neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree are twice as likely as those with a college-educated parent to leave before their second year.
Source: ``Access and Persistence: Findings from 10 Years of Longitudinal Research on Students.`` 2002.

41% of Latino students and 42% of African American students require remediation when entering college.
Source: “Strong American Schools, Diploma to Nowhere.” 2008.

If current attainment rates do not increase, there will be a shortage of 16 million college-educated adults in the U.S. workforce by 2025.
Source: “A Stronger Nation Through Higher Education, Lumina Foundation. 2009.

Our Students

The thousands of students we serve are, quite simply, amazing. They are committed, diligent, hard-working, and inspirational. They have high hopes for their future and they are excited about the opportunities that a college degree will afford them. We are honored to partner with them to ensure their dreams become a reality.

Yesenia, San Francisco State University

“My coach, Lelia, is awesome…She taught me that sometimes you’re going to go through some struggles and you just need those struggles to get stronger. When I didn’t pass one of my math classes, I called her and she motivated me and told me it was going to be ok…What I’ve learned from my coach is that everything is possible…”

Ashley, California State University, East Bay

“I am the oldest in my family and the first to graduate college. I had so many questions that my family couldn’t answer. Being a part of Beyond 12 and working with [my coach] Lara is like having an older sister to talk to about what was going on in my college life. Conversations I couldn’t have with anyone in my family. It’s exciting to know that I have someone there to help me transition from a community college to a university.”

Jennifer, Kennesaw State University

“…I know [my coach, Cat] has many other students but I still feel like I get the very best from [her] and I greatly appreciate it! College would definitely not be what it is for me right now if it wasn’t for [her] help and guidance…”

Our Impact

97,000

In partnership with K-12 and higher education institutions, we are tracking the progress of more than 97,000 students

Learn more about our alumni tracker

1,000,000

Today, we are coaching close to 2,000 students on 180 college campuses. By 2025, we will be coaching 1,000,000 college students.

85%

85% of students coached by Beyond 12 for 4 years have graduated or remained enrolled 6 years after entering, compared to 42%, the national average for similar students.

The Need

59% of all students who start a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college end up with a degree six years later. Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. 2014)

22% of low-income students who were “college-intending” at high school graduation “melted” during the summer (never showed up to college).Source: “A trickle or a torrent? Understanding the extent of summer ‘melt’ among college-intending high school graduates.” 2013.

9% of low-income students earn a bachelor’s degree by their mid 20s, compared with 77% of their wealthy peers.Source: ``Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States, 45 Year Trend Report.`` 2015

African American students earn bachelors’ degrees at one-half (18%), and Latino students at one-third (11%) the rate of white students (34%)Source: “Promise Abandoned: How Policy Choices and Institutional Practices Restrict College Opportunities,” The Education Trust. 2006.

Students from homes where neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree are twice as likely as those with a college-educated parent to leave before their second year.Source: ``Access and Persistence: Findings from 10 Years of Longitudinal Research on Students.`` 2002.

41% of Latino students and 42% of African American students require remediation when entering college.Source: “Strong American Schools, Diploma to Nowhere.” 2008.

If current attainment rates do not increase, there will be a shortage of 16 million college-educated adults in the U.S. workforce by 2025.Source: “A Stronger Nation Through Higher Education, Lumina Foundation. 2009.