College Access Partners

Program Model

The ECMC (Education Credit Management Course) Scholars Program equips students with the skills and support needed to reach their college goals. Unlike traditional scholarship programs that simply award financial aid, ECMC offers a two-year mentoring experience during students’ junior and senior years of high school. Designed for students in Virginia, Oregon, and Connecticut, the program specifically supports those with potential who may not have the highest test scores or GPAs. Participants receive guidance from mentors focused on strengthening academic habits, social skills, and college readiness. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded up to $6,000 to attend an accredited college or university of their choice. Since its launch in 2005, ECMC Scholars has awarded more than $21.2 million in scholarships.

Click here to register for ECMC The College Place Richmond.

Program Model

GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program) is a Richmond-based nonprofit that partners with high schools across Virginia to help students and families access funding for higher education. GRASP Advisors provide free, one-on-one support to guide students through the financial aid process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application, the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, and various scholarship applications. In addition to advising, GRASP offers direct financial support through programs such as the Last Dollar Scholarship and Pathway Scholarships, which help students pursue certificates, associate’s degrees, or bachelor’s degrees.

Program Model

RVA Infinite Scholars is the Richmond extension of the national Infinite Scholars Program, a nonprofit that hosts free college admissions and scholarship fairs for high school students, especially those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds. At these events, students can apply to colleges on the spot, meet with admissions reps, and even receive scholarship offers the same day. Since its founding, Infinite Scholars has helped over 200,000 students secure more than $2 billion in scholarships. The 2024 Richmond fair at Main Street Station welcomed over 400 students (of which 225 were RPS students) and awarded more than $120 million in scholarships nationwide that year. The next Richmond fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, again at Main Street Station.

Program Model

KR Scholars (Kreative Solutions) is a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding college access - specifically to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) - for students in underserved communities. Through its flagship program, HBCU Bridge, KR Scholars provides 11th and 12th grade students with college preparation, scholarship coaching, and direct exposure to HBCU campuses and culture. The organization partners with Richmond Public Schools to serve students at five high schools, with approximately 90% of participating seniors accepted to an HBCU. In addition to awarding over $50,000 in scholarships and providing more than 500 college application fee waivers, KR Scholars offers workshops on FAFSA completion, financial literacy, and college readiness. The organization also collaborates with Grow with Google to provide HBCU students with industry-recognized certifications in fields such as IT support and cybersecurity.

Program Model

Partnership for the Future (PFF) is a Richmond-based nonprofit focused on college preparation and workforce development for high school students from underserved communities. The program provides multi-year support through year-round mentoring, academic enrichment, and summer internships with local businesses. Students receive SAT/ACT prep, college application guidance, workplace etiquette training, and practical office skills to prepare them for both college and career success. The program boasts a 100% college enrollment rate for its participants and a six-year college graduation rate of 77%.

Program Model

The SOAR Scholars Program is a Virginia529 initiative that offers up to $2,000 in scholarship funds to eligible high school students in Virginia. It’s available to students in grades 10–12 (and in some cases, 9th grade) who are Virginia residents, have a valid SSN or ITIN, and qualify for the National School Lunch Program. To earn the funds, students must sign a pledge and meet several requirements, including maintaining a 2.5 GPA, attending regular advising meetings, completing financial literacy training, avoiding unexcused absences, following school conduct rules, doing community service, and completing the FAFSA or VASA in senior year. Students earn $500 each year in 10th and 11th grade, and $1,000 in 12th grade. The money is deposited into an Invest529 account and must be used for eligible postsecondary expenses like college, technical training, or registered apprenticeships. Students have six years after graduation to use the funds.

Program Model

TRIO Talent Search is a free college access program for students in grades 9-12, focused on helping them explore and pursue postsecondary opportunities. Offered through Virginia Union University since 2016, the program serves 500 students across John Marshall High School, Richmond High School for the Arts (George Wythe), and Armstrong High School. Students and families receive support with college and financial aid applications, academic enrichment, test prep, and college readiness. Services include weekend programming, tutoring, college tours, cultural trips, and skills development in areas like time management, critical thinking, and career planning.

Program Model

The Richmond Talent Pathway (RTP) is a VCU-led initiative launched to support students from Richmond Public Schools interested in high-demand fields such as STEM, education, healthcare, and public service. Participating in RTP requires students to be enrolled at one of five comprehensive RPS high schools and meet program eligibility criteria, including academic performance and interest in VCU pathways. The program offers cohort-based academic enrichment, summer experiences, mentorship, and early-admission preparation designed to increase college readiness and diversity in targeted career fields. Students benefit from internships, college tours, and structured support embedded in high school and in VCU Summer Scholars, helping them navigate the transition from high school to university.