About
College Success Foundation (CSF) is a nonprofit headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, that provides an integrated system of supports and scholarships to inspire underserved, low-income students to finish high school, graduate from college, and succeed in life. Founded in 2000, CSF operates in Washington State and the District of Columbia, coaching students from middle school through college completion.
Mission
CSF coaches and supports students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare for and graduate from college as transformational leaders. Its vision is that a college degree is attainable for all. Co-founder Bob Craves articulated the founding principle: a college degree should not be a privilege, it should be a right.
What they do
CSF offers eight direct student support programs alongside scholarships, financial aid guidance (including FAFSA assistance, loan counseling, and scholarship application help), and community partnerships:
- Grades 9-10 Program: helps students transition to high school and manage its academic rigor while building college readiness
- Grades 11-12 Program: guides low-income students through their final high school years to prepare for college success
- CSF-DC Scholars (grades 7-12): serves underserved, low-income, and first-generation students in Washington, D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8
- CSF-DC Upward Bound (grades 9-12): a federally funded college prep program for income-eligible and first-generation college students
- CSF-DC Out-of-School Time programming: builds confidence, teamwork, and leadership through after-school and summer activities
- CSF-DC College Programs: remote coaching and on-campus support, including academic progress monitoring and career planning
- College Services: continued customized support for students navigating college challenges and transitions
- CSF-DC Parent and Community Outreach (Parent University): engages families to support student participation
History
College Success Foundation was founded in 2000 by Bob Craves, Ann Ramsay-Jenkins, and a group of prominent community leaders, initially with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to address opportunity gaps for underserved populations. It has since expanded from Washington State to the District of Columbia, supporting students through personal hardship, economic downturns, and the pandemic.
Scale and impact
CSF maintains its national headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, with operations in Washington State and the District of Columbia, and reports serving thousands of students across its programs.
Financials
Per IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 91-2036088), College Success Foundation reported total revenue of $32,385,020, total functional expenses of $27,299,796, and total assets of $30,060,110 for fiscal year 2023. In fiscal year 2022 it reported revenue of $22,560,135 and expenses of $16,831,977.