SMART began operations in 1997 as a result of the harnessed passion and vision shared by three friends. Individually, they enjoy highly successful careers and attribute this success to the quality education and support system to which they had access. Upon achieving their professional goals, they committed themselves to giving back to the community andunanimously came to the decision to start an organization that provides access to education and opportunities for financially-disadvantaged students in San Francisco. SMART's College Access Program was formally created during the 2011-2012 school year, rising out of explicit need stated from SMART families to support their children with their goals to enroll in college. Research behind CAP is based on best practices from other college access programs both locally and nationally, from empirical and academic literature, as well as feedback from our key stakeholders (students, parents, school personnel and community members). CAP Scholars are expected to after-school programming weekly. History of SMART SMART began operations in 1997 as a result of the harnessed passion and vision shared by three friends. Individually, they enjoy highly successful careers and attribute this success to the quality education and support system to which they had access. Upon achieving their professional goals, they committed themselves to giving back to the community and unanimously came to the decision to start an organization that provides access to education and opportunities for financially-disadvantaged students in San Francisco.

1997

202

Individuals, Corporate sponsorship, Foundations, In-kind donations

SMART provides highly motivated, financially-disadvantaged students with access to educational opportunities, personal experiences and social support services in order to foster academic excellence and community engagement.

Only 8% of low-income students earn a college degree. SMART closes the achievement gap by providing these students with access to private schools, and with intensive social, emotional and academic support from grades 5-12. 92% of SMART students attend college, forever altering the trajectory of their lives, and the lives of their families and communities. The five elements that comprise SMART's CAP and define our program activities are: 1) Workshop Series-The workshop series is grouped under specific themes and covers topics including college and career exploration (including college tours and career panels), community investment, study skills, education as a human right, financial literacy, and more 2) Leadership Ladder-SMART offers students opportunities to develop public speaking, organization, advocacy, perseverance, and self-empowerment skills 3) Individualized Academic Support- Class scheduling assistance; transcript review; professional tutoring in core subjects; communication with schools; family meetings; college counseling; and test preparation courses and practice tests (PSAT, SAT and ACT) 4) Parent Education Series- College Prep, Navigating School Systems, Academic Planning, Standardized Testing, and Financial Aid 5) Community Building and Social Support-SMART facilitates connections between Scholars, encouraging them to share triumphs and challenges and to keep each other focused on college attendance through social events, service learning opportunities, immersion and leadership trips, retreats, mentoring, and affinity groups.

Private School Placement, holistic services, afterschool/summer programs, college access support