Message From Our CEO: Reflecting on the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling

For 45 years, Prep for Prep has been committed to creating life-changing educational opportunities for students of color. This includes preparing our students with the academic and leadership skills needed to gain admission to the nation’s top colleges and universities. The Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate race as a factor in college admissions is a disservice to our students and all students. 

Race and ethnicity significantly shape one’s lived experience, perspectives, and opportunities. When colleges and universities take this into consideration as part of the admissions process, they honor the whole person and the value that the student brings to the school community.

The impact of this decision has strengthened Prep for Prep’s commitment to ensuring our students remain competitive candidates during the college admissions process. In addition to our already robust program model, here are just a few ways we are bolstering our direct student support and services: 

    •    Upskilling our Post-Placement Counselors to provide more dynamic academic advising to our eighth graders to ensure they excel in the most rigorous coursework
    •    Increasing tutoring sessions for students whose grades are lower than what is required for higher-level classes or future college admission
    •    Expanding workshops for families that address topics such as Translating Independent School Culture, Mental Wellness: An Honest Conversation, and Parent Belonging in Independent Schools

In addition, our College Guidance team continues to ensure that our students retain their position as top applicants regardless of whether race is a recognized factor in the college admissions process. Student support from this team includes, but is not limited to:

    •    Individual counseling throughout the college application process
    •    Group counseling and workshops on topics such as essay writing and financial aid
    •    Trips to visit college campuses
    •    Sessions with college admissions representatives 
    •    Standardized test prep opportunities
    •    Counselor advocacy with college admissions representatives
    •    Collaboration with students' independent school college counselors

At Prep for Prep, we are keenly aware of the impact education has on one’s life trajectory. Our 5,000-plus students and alumni are living proof of this. 

    •    100% of Prep for Prep high school seniors are accepted to college
    •    36% of all alumni have earned or are pursuing graduate degrees in the arts and sciences, medicine, law, business, education, social work, and the fine arts, compared to the national rate of 7.8% for Black adults and 5% for Hispanic adults
    •    Each year, more than 450 students broaden their horizons and develop leadership skills through opportunities in entrepreneurship, internships, an art academy, public policy projects, travel abroad, or summer camps

These outcomes serve as inspiration to continue the vital work that we do and we will continue to be nimble as the higher education landscape changes. We appreciate the many relationships we have with college and university admissions offices and leaders, and trust they will continue to partner with us in support of our dynamic and motivated students. As a member of the Prep for Prep community, you have a role in our success. Your generous contributions of time, money, and resources ensure we are able to provide our educational access, leadership development, and professional advancement programming. Together, we will continue to develop young adults who are prepared to excel in college and beyond.