We’re proud to announce the Taco Bell Foundation has awarded College Possible a grant, as part of its $28 million investment in 500 community organizations nationwide to support our mission of closing the degree divide. This support is crucial as students continue to face increasing challenges on their path to and through higher education.
This investment will help expand access to our intensive coaching and support model, reaching thousands of high school and college students nationwide. Through mentorship and a proven curriculum, students receive guidance every step of the way, from college applications and financial aid to degree completion.
A growing body of research shows that comprehensive student support, such as individualized advising, coaching, and planning, can significantly improve college enrollment and completion, particularly for Pell-eligible students. Sustained student advising interventions have been shown to increase both initial college attendance and long-term persistence, underscoring the role of personalized guidance. A proactive approach helps students navigate complex academic, financial, and institutional systems on their path to a degree.
When students receive the support they need to navigate college successfully, the impact extends far beyond the individual—it strengthens families, communities, and our entire higher education system,” said Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO of College Possible. “We’re deeply grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation for believing in the potential of our students and investing in a model that transforms lives through access, guidance, and opportunity.”
College Possible’s proven model provides students with personalized support across every stage of the college journey—from test preparation and financial planning to selecting the right school and navigating campus life. The results speak for themselves: students in our program are significantly more likely to enroll in college—and graduate—than their peers from similar backgrounds, unlocking opportunities that transform their futures.
“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we open doors.”
We’re honored to stand alongside the Taco Bell Foundation and hundreds of community organizations nationwide who are working to remove obstacles and open doors. Together, we’re creating lasting impact—one student, one story, one degree at a time.
