Since CBO's inception in 2006, the organization has grown from 9 high school seniors and 8 mentors to a total of 105 students, high school juniors through college seniors, and over 110 active mentors. CBO's first six college graduates received their college degrees in 2011, followed by seven more in May 2012. College Bound Opportunities is a community-based, community-supported organization. Currently, our students and mentors live in the communities served by Township High School District 113, Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools, and Lake Forest High School (District 115). While the names of Highland Park, Deerfield, Lake Forest and other suburbs served by Districts 113 and 115 may bring to mind affluence, the 2010 District Report Cards show that approximately 350 students in District 113 and District 115 come from low income families. Average family income for the current pool of CBO scholars is under $30,000 per year. CBO is a competitive scholarship program that seeks students with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8, a strong desire to graduate from college, and the need for a mentor to guide them through a myriad of obstacles along the way. CBO recognizes that graduating college is not the final chapter for these scholars; pursuing and obtaining meaningful professions presents the next challenge. That's why CBO offers workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills and job searching, and puts together an annual Internship Fair to connect CBO Scholars with local businesses.

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