of color. In order to change that the organization wants to create a self-sustaining pipeline of diverse leaders. Additionally, the organization would like to close the gap in academic achievement based on race and allow students of color to realize their full potential. The organization carries out its goal by annually recruiting, referring and supporting 500 scholars at more than 300 member schools in 29 states. It has reported more than 16,000 alumni who have gone into careers as physicians, artists, educators, lawyers, politicians, and corporate executives. The number of A Better Chance alumni attending college after high school is more than 96% compared to 24% of students of color nationwide. Admission In order to apply to ABC, the student must be a citizen or permanent resident of United States, identify as a person of color, and be in grades 4-9. Applicants must submit an income form, school history, an essay, transcripts, benchmark testing scores, recommendations and be interviewed. The schools affiliated with A Better Chance may require additional standardized testing or interviews. The applicant may get accepted to ABC but not to a member school. Financial aid is provided by the member schools and the size of the package depends on the financial situation of the applicant. The organization looks for students who participate in extracurricular activities and demonstrate leadership potential. Notable alumni Tracy Chapman Roxane Gay Bonnie Jenkins Deval Patrick Luis Ubiñas References External links A Better Chance website 1963 establishments in New York City Non-profit organizations based in New York City Educational organizations based in the United States