• All students are capable of being prepared for college and that educators, families, communities and policymakers have the responsibility to ensure that all students, including those from low-income backgrounds, graduate from high school ready for college success.
• All qualified students from low-income backgrounds should receive particular consideration in recruitment, admissions and financial aid, and that colleges and universities should make every effort to meet the financial needs of this population in ways that make enrollment and full participation in the college experience possible.
• Colleges and universities have a responsibility to provide essential academic support, financial aid, and targeted social and emotional support to ensure that all enrolled students will have every chance to succeed in their chosen academic programs.

“As a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I am particularly proud of the leadership UNC has shown,” said Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board. “UNC is our nation’s first state university and was established to provide an excellent education ‘at low prices.’ In fact, UNC has long demonstrated its commitment to policies and programs that further access and affordability for students of all incomes.”

The Compact is driven by College Board members’ commitment to the belief that all underserved students have a right to an affordable, accessible and successful college experience. The Compact invites all schools, colleges and universities to accept the call to action. The initiative proposes a number of possible activities, including the creation of partnerships to provide more mentors for young people, ensuring the availability of rigorous high school curricula; the waiving of fees for college applications for these target students; educating administrators, counselors and teachers to understand the reality of financial aid needs; providing additional tutoring and supplemental instruction, as well as culturally relevant programming; and improving course alignment and acceptance agreements between two- and four-year campuses.

“UNC is just the first, but we are anticipating big things in the months ahead,” said Jacqueline Woods, the Compact’s project manager. “Our goal is to sign hundreds of schools, starting with our own member institutions. This isn’t just a great idea; it’s a call to action for our members.”

To view or print a copy of The CollegeKeys Compact™ commitment form, click here.