Kaplan Leadership Scholars Defy National Trends with Elite College Acceptances

The Kaplan Educational Foundation announced college acceptance decisions for its 2025 cohort, with scholars gaining admission to more than 25 prestigious institutions nationwide. This achievement stands in stark contrast to national data from the Aspen Institute showing that while 80% of community college students aspire to transfer to four-year schools, only 16% ultimately earn bachelor's degrees—with even lower rates for low-income students.

Established in 2006, the Kaplan Leadership Program provides comprehensive support to high-potential, low-income community college students through extensive tutoring, academic advisement, leadership training, living stipends, and career development resources. The program's holistic approach has produced remarkable results: 92% of Kaplan Leadership Scholars earn bachelor's degrees, far exceeding national averages for similar demographic groups.

This year's scholars include Marco Alvarez from Hostos Community College heading to Columbia University, Emily Blanco from Borough of Manhattan Community College accepted to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and William (Liam) Cesar Lotz from Kingsborough Community College bound for Yale University. Other notable acceptances include Melanie Jerez to Brown University, Tymika Lawrence to Princeton University, and multiple students gaining admission to Columbia University and UNC Chapel Hill.

Nolvia Delgado, Executive Director of the Kaplan Educational Foundation, emphasized the program's significance: "This year's cohort continues to represent the high-potential talent that exists in U.S. community colleges, including non-traditional age students, recent immigrants, and first-generation college students. We're committed to continuing to remove barriers and provide greater access to higher education for talented, motivated individuals." The foundation's success has attracted additional funding, including a three-year grant from the Ichigo Foundation to establish a Community College Bridge Program targeting high school students from underserved communities.

The program's two-decade legacy demonstrates that targeted support systems can effectively address educational inequities. By providing comprehensive resources and removing financial barriers, the Kaplan Leadership Program creates viable pathways for community college students to access elite educational institutions and ultimately attain leadership roles in their professions and communities. This model offers valuable insights for addressing broader educational access challenges across the United States.