Founded in 2005 by a group of concerned parents, admissions professionals, and nonprofit practitioners, CSO fills the need for better information and resources guiding underserved, first-generation college-bound students in their pursuit of college.

While many schools and local programs across the country provide service to these students, few have the capacity to identify and connect with the many colleges and universities that have targeted these students for admission.

With this in mind, the principals founded CSO as a national 501(c)(3) nonprofi t to support colleges and universities in their college access goals and create tools and programs to expand and promote the important opportunities these schools offer underserved, first-generation college students.