Access to a postsecondary education is a primary route to economic stability and career success. However, many youth and their families frequently have limited knowledge about what college entails, and their preparation for college work is also limited. California students enter and complete four-year college programs at a lower rate.

In addition, California has the largest discrepancy between the percentage of four-year college degree holders who are Latino and African American compared to the eligible population. The college going opportunities for students – wealthy or poor, regardless of race or ethnicity – depend on access to essential college-going conditions, such as access to A-G courses, quality teaching, counseling, academic support, and parental knowledge and guidance.