College Dreams Come True for Area Students

College Bound Opportunities Helps Students in Need Go to College

Less than two years ago, Cliff Bregstone, Founder of College Bound Opportunities (CBO), addressed a room full high school Juniors and their families and proclaimed, "You have been accepted into CBO, and you WILL go to college." Those prophetic words became reality as twenty-four CBO scholars came together on Sunday to celebrate their graduation from high school. Each of these graduates from Deerfield High School, Highland Park High School, and Lake Forest High School will be enrolled in college this Fall. CBO identifies students in need who would otherwise forgo college, and gives them the resources to attend and graduate college.

Without the assistance of CBO, most of these students would likely not attend college. In fact, more than 90% of the scholars in the program are the first in their families to attend college. Because just 11% of first-generation college students will graduate from college nationally, the need for CBO's program are critical to these scholars ... scholars like Anna Aguilar. Anna was accepted into the very first class of scholars when CBO was founded in 2006. On Sunday, Anna addressed the newest class of high school graduates. "When I was accepted into the program, I cried because I realized that I really was going to college," said Anna. "Because of CBO and my mentor, I graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012, and just last week, I earned my law degree from Valparaiso University," she added. Anna and 36 other CBO scholars have now earned a college degree, and serve as inspiration for these students.

To commemorate their graduation from high school, each scholar received a brand new laptop for college which is made possible through donations from the community. Through these efforts, more than 95% of CBO scholars will earn a college degree. "Take advantage of CBO and use your mentor because it will change your life," Anna told the students. To donate to a student's future, call 847.943.9226 or go to http://cbo4success.org.

About College Bound Opportunities:

College Bound Opportunities (CBO) is a not-for-profit organization centered in the ten communities within Deerfield and Highland Park High School District 113 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115. CBO identifies high-achieving but under resourced young people who, without support, would likely forgo post-secondary education and assists them in applying to and completing college. CBO goals are achieved through a program of one-to-one mentoring between volunteers and scholars. Additional aid provided by CBO includes tutoring, training services, laptop computers, and up to $16,000 in financial support. Learn more at http://cbo4success.org.