Academy for Educational Development

Gates College Access Study

AED conducted a study of college access services provided by New York City public schools funded by the Bill and Melinda gates Foundation. The report was undertaken to inform the foundation on its current grantmaking both in New York City and nationally. As directed by the Foundation, the "scan" of college access services focused on postsecondary access and success strategies at Foundation-funded schools as well as the broader approaches within their intermediary organizations.

A primary aim of the study was to enhance understanding of the current postsecondary access climate for students, as well as to pose recommendations and questions related to postsecondary opportunities and challenges. In total, AED's scan yielded data on the nine intermediary organizations and their over 100 Foundation-funded schools through intensive interviews with staff from the nine intermediaries. Intermediaries included the College Board, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, Good Shepherd Services, the Institute for Student Achievement, and New Visions.