STUDENT SECTION

FREQUENTLY ASKED STUDENT 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 do I have to do to qualify to be a CBO Scholar?

You must be in your junior year at Highland Park, Deerfield, or Lake Forest High School, have a strong academic record with a minimum B- grade point average (GPA) and meet our financial need requirements. Each student needs to fill out a CBO application, which will be available November 1.

What is the role of the CBO mentor?

CBO mentors serve as coaches 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 the student has all the support he/she needs to successful manage his/her studies and college life.

What are my responsibilities as CBO Scholar?

Responsibilities for CBO Scholars include:

  • Communicating regularly with mentors —including responding to the mentors’ emails and phone calls.
  • Maintaining good grades to ensure graduation from college and to help you prepare successfully for life after college.
  • Making a special effort to participate in college activities and weekend campus events so that you enjoy the complete college life experience.
  • Attending all CBO Scholar events.

Is this a scholarship program? If so, how much is provided?

CBO is not strictly a scholarship program. Each CBO Scholar receives up to $3,500 per year for four (4) years of college and a new laptop upon graduation from high school. More importantly, 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 my family doesn’t have enough financial resources to send me 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, who can I contact?

Contact Susan Bell, CBO’s Executive Director. You can reach her via e-mail at sbell.cbo@gmail.com or by phone at 847-943-9226.