We see a day when all children in Richmond have access to high-quality education, excel from high school to higher education, attain a postsecondary degree or certification, thrive in the field of their choice, and become a leader of positive change in their community and the world.

Launched in January 2016, the Richmond Promise is a community-wide college success initiative to build a college graduating culture in Richmond, CA. The Richmond Promise was created with the belief that all Richmond students should have the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential, regardless of race, income level, or personal background.

Through a college scholarship, collaborative cross-sector partnerships, and supportive programming, the Richmond Promise aims to ensure all students in Richmond excel to and through higher education, reach their career goals, and become change-making leaders in the Richmond community.

We work to increase the number of students, particularly low-income students and students who are the first in their family to go to college who:

1. Are exposed to college resources, role models and experiences throughout K-16
2. Successfully transition to an accredited university/college directly from high school
3. Successfully transfer from community college to 4-year university
4. Complete an Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or career + technical education

College Promise initiatives are local, collaborative cross-sector initiatives that aim to address barriers to college through scholarships and wrap-around supports for students who live within a local geographic area. Our strategy rests on effective and long-term collaboration with institutional and community partners to address 4 main barriers to college success, and couple the scholarship with the critical wraparound supports we know can make a difference.