"One minute I was talking to Dr. Fowler, Executive Director of The Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club, about a way to help students prepare for college. Five months later I was standing on a bus with 36 students and a full time college counselor heading to Mizzou for a leadership program.”
-- Lisa Orden Zarin
Executive Director/Founder
Our Story
In January 2006, a small group of people gave up their jobs and salaries, implored policy makers and devoted human and financial resources to create a program that would change the lives of young people through the power of higher education. Within four months, two school districts approved the program, a 501(c)3 status was awarded and 36 students placed their hopes for a better future in College Bound.
Over the next 18 months, many other
partners,
businesses and
universities recognized the impact and promise of College Bound and contributed ideas, time, gifts and resources to bolster College Bound’s success.
In 2008, College Bound expanded again to serve a total of 170 students with a waitlist at both our St. Louis City and University City High Schools. In the Spring of 2008, we celebrated the high school graduation of our first College Bound class. All thirty-nine students matriculated to four-year colleges. Through their college years and beyond, this dynamic group will pave the way for many more students and generations to come.
As of September 2009, College Bound oversees a staff of 20, operates at five sites (4 high schools & 1 university) and serves 300 students in a 7-year wrap-around program. Additionally, College Bound creates a college-going culture at four high schools by providing 1,000 9th grade students and families with the information to plan, prepare, pay for and pursue postsecondary education.