YAKIMA, Wash. -- Low-income students who participate in College Success Foundation programs are more likely to succeed in high school and college than their peers, according to a new report that analyzes 10 years’ worth of data.

The report, released in conjunction with the foundation’s 10th anniversary this year, shows 97 percent of CSF’s Achievers Scholars graduate from high school and 68 percent of those enter a four-year college.

"Our model is to inspire low-income, underserved students to finish high school and to provide the unique, integrated system of supports and scholarships that they need to succeed in college and life," Deborah Wilds, president and chief operating officer of the College Success Foundation, said in a recent news release. "We believe that all children should have the chance to achieve their full potential."

In its 10-year history, the foundation has awarded nearly $107 million in scholarships to students in Washington State and the District of Columbia — the two places where CSF operates  — helping more than 1,900 students obtain college degrees.

"It is clear from this report that if we invest the right attention and resources in our students, and scale up this kind of model nationally, we can help make a college degree a reality, not just a dream," Rep. George Miller, D-CA, Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, said in the news release.

In the same release,  Ivery Rhodes, a CSF Washington State Achievers Scholar, said, "The College Success Foundation opened my eyes to the possibility of going to college."

To download a copy of the 10th Anniversary report, visit www.collegesuccessfoundation.org. 

--Adriana Janovich