College Success

About the program

The College Success Program Program supports students throughout their collegiate journey to ensure they have the best chance to graduate and pursue the career of their choice. It provides students with up to $10,000 scholarships each year, ongoing support from a dedicated college success manager, access to free mental health sessions with a licensed therapist, skill-building workshops, college and career preparation, personalized coaching, financial guidance, and an Alumni Collaborative for post-graduation support. Scholars are able to hone their professional skills, prepare themselves financially, pursue exciting educational opportunities, and build a lasting community of peers and mentors.

92% of Pinckney Scholars are graduating college within 4.5 years and over 50% graduate without student load debt.

Students accepted into the program are expected to:

• Be committed to attending and graduating from college.
• Be leaders at school and in the community.
• Be motivated, intellectually curious and ambitious.
• Serve as role models and mentors for future classes of Visionaries and Scholars.
• Maintain transparent, honest, and consistent communication with Foundation Staff.

Criteria for eligibility: Selection criteria include, but are not limited to, satisfactory participation in and completion of the College Readiness Program, Pell Grant eligibility, academic performance, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must be first-generation college students (whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree).

Application process and schedule: Applications are accepted in the second semester of students’ senior year of high school. Selections are announced in May. Up to 17 students are selected each year.