From Ninth Grade to Grinnell: College Track Partnership Welcomes First‑Generation Scholars to Iowa

Scholars from California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the D.C.–Maryland area will gain a new path to Grinnell College, with the first cohort enrolling in fall 2028

GRINNELL, Iowa, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- College Track and Grinnell College today announced a new partnership that will welcome cohorts of first-generation College Track scholars from across the country to Grinnell. The partnership marks College Track's 24th college and university partnership, deepening the organization's growing network across 13 communities nationwide.

College Track is a national college completion organization that makes a 10-year commitment to each scholar, from ninth grade through college graduation. Through high school, scholars receive academic, financial, social-emotional, and career readiness support. In college, College Track coaches help them navigate their campus's resources and persist through graduation. College Track scholars earn bachelor's degrees at more than two times the national rate for first-generation peers.

College Track scholars attending Grinnell will receive one-on-one coaching, career readiness support, financial literacy education, community-building and other services, delivered in dedicated space on Grinnell's campus. In addition, Grinnell will meet 100% of each admitted scholar's demonstrated financial need, up to the full cost of attendance, through its need-based and merit-based programs.

"At Grinnell, we believe in the transformative power of a liberal arts education to open doors, expand perspectives, and empower students to make a meaningful difference in the world," said Anne F. Harris, President of Grinnell College. "Our partnership with College Track reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to educational opportunities and supporting first-generation students as they pursue their academic and personal aspirations. College Track scholars bring vital perspectives, experiences, and ambitions that deepen the classroom, strengthen our campus community, and expand the academic excellence that defines Grinnell. We are excited to welcome their curiosity, talents, and ideas to a community where learning from one another is at the heart of the liberal arts experience."

"Grinnell is an incredible destination for College Track scholars because it intentionally works to create a sense of belonging for young learners from all walks of life," said Shirley M. Collado, Ph.D., College Track President and CEO. "This new partnership leverages the power of our cohort model and on-campus College Thrive coaching alongside Grinnell's support for all students and deep commitment to first-generation student success. Together, we aim to create the best conditions for all students to succeed and to affirm the value, talent, and promise of students who dream of being the first in their family to earn a bachelor's degree."

Removing the Barriers of Cost and Distance

For first-generation students, cost and distance often rule out a selective residential college far from home before an application is ever submitted. Through this new partnership, Grinnell may admit a cohort of College Track scholars each year, subject to admissibility, with 100% of each admitted scholar's demonstrated financial need met. Grinnell will also invite select College Track scholars to a fall fly-in program and admitted scholars to a spring admitted-student program, both at no cost, giving them a chance to see the campus before committing.

Beginning in fall 2028, admitted scholars will enroll at Grinnell together as a cohort and continue working with College Track coaches through graduation.

Building on an Existing Connection

Elvis, a College Track scholar from New Orleans, wasn't considering Grinnell as a high school senior. Now in his senior year, he plans to pursue a master's in mechanical engineering after graduation.

"Looking back after four years, I've realized this was the best choice, not because of the financial aid, but because of the people I've met, the knowledge I've gained, and the education here," Elvis said.

Expanding a Growing Network

This partnership adds Grinnell, a nationally recognized liberal arts college, to College Track's expanding network of college and university partners committed to closing the gap between college enrollment and completion for first-generation students. Together, the two organizations aim to put a selective college education within reach for first-generation scholars and support them through graduation.

About College Track

College Track's mission is to equip first-generation scholars to earn a bachelor's degree and build lives filled with opportunity, choice, purpose, and power.

Today, more than 4,500 College Track high school and college students across California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the D.C.–Maryland area are pursuing their goal of becoming the first in their family to graduate from college.

Across the country, our alumni represent what's possible when first-generation scholars have long-term support and access to higher education. Ninety-three percent of our scholars are the first in their family to attend college, and 90 percent come from under-resourced communities. They graduate at more than two times the national rate for first-generation peers.

Learn more about our work to expand opportunity and redefine what's possible for the next generation of college graduates at collegetrack.org.

About Grinnell College  

Grinnell College, a private liberal arts college in Iowa founded in 1846, provides individually advised learning for intellectually engaged students to produce graduates who are prepared to navigate the world's complexities and responsibly contribute to the common good. Grinnell enrolls 1,700 students from around the world, who earn bachelor's degrees in a range of disciplines across the humanities, arts and sciences. Grinnell's rigorous academic program and campus life emphasize excellence in education through free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas, a diverse community and social responsibility and action. More information about Grinnell College is available at www.grinnell.edu.

SOURCE College Track