PARENTS:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is College Bound Opportunities (CBO)?
CBO is a non-profit organization that coaches talented, economically disadvantaged students to unleash their potential, graduate from college, pursue meaningful professions, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
What does my child have to do to qualify to be a CBO Scholar?
Students must be in their junior year at Highland Park, Deerfield, or Lake Forest High School. Also, they must have a strong academic record with a B- grade point average (GPA) or higher. Each student needs to fill out a CBO application, which will be available November 1.
What is the role of the mentor assigned to my child?
CBO adult volunteers serve as mentors for their students from their junior year in high school through all four years of college until graduation. Mentors communicate year-round with their students offering advice on everything from selecting a college and study skills, to college life and the skills needed to obtain—and keep—a job. However, CBO mentors do not take the place of parental involvement. Instead, they collaborate with parents to ensure that their child has all the support he/she needs to successful manage his/her studies and college life.
What are my responsibilities?
Parents are asked to be as supportive as possible in helping their child apply to college. Also, once their child is in college, parents can play a critical role in encouraging students to do their very best in their studies. Equally important, parents should understand that the more their child is integrated into the college community, the greater their chances of graduating. (Students who frequently come home on weekends miss out on many opportunities to participate in campus activities with fellow students.)
Is this a scholarship program? If so, how much is provided?
CBO is not strictly a scholarship program. All students receive up to $4,000 per year for four (4) years of college and a new laptop upon graduation from high school. More important, CBO offers students—and their parents—extensive help in identifying and receiving financial aid. In fact, most CBO Scholars graduate from college without large loans.
What if our family doesn’t have enough financial resources to send our child to college?
CBO does everything possible to minimize the cost of college for families with limited resources. With CBO’s help, most CBO Scholars are able to obtain a significant amount of financial aid to cover college costs.
If I have more questions about CBO, whom can I contact?
Susan Bell, Executive Director, at 847-943-9226.
