The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) College Partnership Program (CPP), which began in 1989, is a successful collaboration involving colleges and universities, corporate members of the Fairfax County Public Schools Education Foundation, Inc., parents, and the school system. Identified as one of the most comprehensive partnerships in the country, and included in Reaching for College, a U.S. Department of Education publication, the program serves approximately 1750 students in grades 7 through 12 from 49 schools. With an average of 155 seniors for the past seven years completing the program requirements, the CPP continues to experience an average success rate of 98 percent in the number of graduating seniors who enroll in college.

The program goals are to increase the academic achievement of underachieving students and to increase the number of minority students who enroll and succeed in college. The CPP squarely addresses the interdependent relationship required to create opportunities for students to successfully navigate the home, school, college, and work continuum.

Participating colleges and universities sponsor a variety of activities to increase students' and parents' knowledge and understanding of higher education programs and college life, and to enhance students' motivation for higher academic achievement.

The FCPS Education Foundation supports the program by linking employees of local businesses and student participants to provide work experiences, adult mentors, and the opportunity to see the way corporate America manages its activities.

FCPS assists and supports participating students to ensure enrollment in and successful completion of the courses required for college entrance, and coordinates all components of the program.