College Readiness 21

In 2002, WFIC created College Readiness 21 (CR21) to help prepare needy students for entry into college. Currently, CR21 works closely with nearly 500 low-income, first generation and minority youth to build and reach the dream of finishing high school and going to college. To date, 100% of CR21 students who remained with the program for two or more years have completed high school; of these, 89% have enrolled in college.

CR21 is an effective long-term solution that allows students to access countless educational, professional, and personal opportunities. By transforming the lives of our students, their families, and successive generations, CR21 empowers students to take ownership of their futures.

The following demographics characterize current 2008-2009 CR21 students.

• Low-Income: 315 (74%) students are low-income based on their eligibility to receive subsidized school lunch.
• First Generation: 424 (90%) students will be the first in their families to go to college.
• Ethnicity: African American: 211 (45%), Caucasian: 112 (24%), Latino or Latina: 96 (20%), Asian American: 40 (9%), Multiple race: 9 (2%), Native American: 3 (0.6%).
• Gender: 287 (61%) female, 185 (39%) male.
• Geographic Regions: 223 students served in Milwaukee, 163 in Northeast Wisconsin, 86 in Southeast Wisconsin.