College Forward seeks to dramatically improve the college-going rate for low-income Texans by equalizing access to higher education. We do this by providing the support and assistance economically-disadvantaged students need to apply to college and earn baccalaureate degrees.

Program effectiveness will be measured according to the following primary criteria; these and other results will be tracked quarterly, audited annually, and published in College Forward’s Annual Report, beginning in 2006-2007:

• 100 percent of participants will apply to college
• 85 percent of participants will gain admission to post-secondary institutions
• 90 percent of students enrolled in college will persist from year-to-year
• College Forward students will achieve an increase in the rate of attainment of baccalaureate degrees by 25 percent as compared to demographically similar students

In addition, College Forward's long-term goal is to develop and define the most effective practices for Texas' low-income student population in order to share these with universities and responsible community-based organizations around the state.

“This experience has changed my fears about college and what my future might be like.” —Hays High School student