Gifted and Lifted

There was a study conducted at Harvard and Stanford  Universities that revealed something which is not too surprising about the inadequate representation of low-income students at selective colleges and universities.  The study examined the academically successful high school seniors and what percentage of them went on to attend the country's most selected colleges. This was a list of almost 250 colleges and universities.  The conclusion was that only 34 percent of these students were from families whose income fell in the bottom quarter of the national scale.

Two groups have created modeled programs to lift our low income gifted youth out of their environment and into academic institutions that will prepare them for success and financial freedom.  The first organization is  Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America, or LEDA which assist students from socioeconomically disadvantage families gain admission to the nation's top colleges.  Seventy six percent of their scholars attend an Ivy League or select college and  64 percent are first generation college students.

Another educational opportunity for our young scholars is Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, SEO.  SEO provides a year-round program that prepares motivated students from low income  families get  to and through America's competitive colleges, serving students in New York City and San Francisco.

We must continue to provide resources for our gifted and talented students from lower economic backgrounds obtain the same opportunities to attend the nations most prestigious schools.

Pass It On & Stay Connected

Dr. Dee Carter