Breaking Barriers: Kaplan Educational Foundation's 2025 College Success Stories

A Legacy of Success: The Kaplan Educational Foundation's Big Win

Every now and then, we come across a story that not only warms our hearts but also reignites our faith in the power of education to change lives. This year, the Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF) has given us just that, celebrating a monumental milestone with its 18th cohort of Kaplan Leadership Program (KLP) scholars. Since its inception in 2006, KLP has been a beacon of hope, helping high-potential, low-income, and underserved community college students not just dream big but achieve big by transferring to some of the nation’s most prestigious four-year universities.

The Kaplan Leadership Program: More Than Just Scholarships

The Kaplan Leadership Program isn't your run-of-the-mill scholarship. It's a holistic approach to altering the educational and career trajectories of its scholars. With a package that includes extensive tutoring, academic advisement, leadership and career training, and stipends for living expenses, KLP ensures its scholars have everything they need to excel. This year’s success stories are no exception, with students being accepted into over 25 top schools nationwide—a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the hard work of its participants.

2025's Rising Stars

Let's talk about the stars of the moment—the 2025 Kaplan Leadership Scholars. From Marco Alvarez of Hostos Community College making his way to Columbia University, to Melanie Jerez from Queensborough Community College stepping into the ivy-covered halls of Brown University, these scholars are setting the stage for a future filled with promise and achievement. Each scholar's journey is a powerful narrative of ambition, resilience, and determination, embodying the spirit of what the Kaplan Leadership Program aims to achieve.

Addressing the Gap: Why KLP Matters

The need for programs like KLP has never been more evident. While a staggering 80 percent of community college students harbor dreams of transferring to a four-year institution, a mere 16 percent manage to turn those dreams into reality. The gap is even more pronounced among students from low-income families. Herein lies the importance of KLP’s mission: to eliminate barriers and provide access to higher education for talented, motivated individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.

A Brighter Future Ahead

Looking to the future, the Kaplan Educational Foundation is not resting on its laurels. With the recent introduction of the Community College Bridge Program, funded by a generous three-year grant from the Ichigo Foundation, KEF is extending its reach to high school students. This initiative aims to prepare teenagers from underserved communities for success in community college and beyond, ensuring a smoother transition to four-year universities.

The stories of this year’s Kaplan Leadership Scholars are more than just individual successes; they are a beacon of hope and a call to action. They remind us of the untapped potential residing within community colleges across the country and the transformative power of education. As we celebrate these scholars, let's also remember the role we can play in supporting initiatives like the Kaplan Leadership Program. Together, we can help more students break barriers and achieve their dreams.

For those inspired by these stories and interested in learning more about the Kaplan Educational Foundation or how to become a Kaplan Leadership Scholar, visit www.kaplanedfoundation.org.