College AIM

• College AIM supports under-resourced students in Metro-Atlanta on their paths to and through college so they can access the life opportunities that every kid deserves. 

College AIM was founded in 2013 at Towers High School (DeKalb County, GA). At the time, a few teachers recognized the gap that existed — district schools failed to support low-income, first generation-college students. In turn, fewer than 40% of Towers students continued onto college at any level and fewer than 10% earned a post-secondary credential within five years of high school completion. With minimal chance of educational advancement, intergenerational cycles of poverty persisted.

Today, College AIM transforms school communities in Metro-Atlanta by tapping trusted teachers to support every student through college and by developing cultures that promote college-bound opportunities for all. In turn, programming includes high-quality college counseling, personalized college financial planning, effective SAT and ACT prep courses, extensive college-exposure opportunities and the support of mentors on college campuses.

As a result of College AIM’s programming, college matriculation and financial aid awards have risen at Towers for four consecutive years. Today nearly 70% of students continue onto college, and in each of the past two years the senior class has collectively earned more than $10 million in scholarships and grants.