CB@Ranken
Empowering Ranken Technical College students to succeed in education and beyond.
Program Overview
Launched in 2021, CB@Ranken offers a supportive on-campus community and personalized coaching in order to maximize graduation rates for high-risk students, especially low-income students, first-generation students, and students of color. College Bound staff work hand-in-hand with Ranken faculty and administration, participating in meetings, visiting classrooms, and gaining access to internal systems to provide real-time support. Through our program, students build their academic skills, mentorship networks, work habits, and on-campus connections.
Who We Support?
CB@Ranken is designed for first-time Ranken students who want extra guidance and community as they transition into college life. Students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to join:
CB@Ranken is open to:
- Enrolled in a daytime program at Ranken’s St. Louis campus
- Identify as a student of color and/or female
- Ages 17–26(ideal, but not strictly required)
- Seeking academic, personal, or career support during their college journey
Services and Support
Students engage in ways that fit their unique needs while building relationships that help them persist in college. Students are expected to meet with CB@Ranken staff 1-4 times per month(depending on need and availability) and participate in a mix of supportive interventions.
Summer Bridge Program
Incoming students attend a two-week session on Ranken’s campus that includes math enrichment, writing support, and personal development. Students also access campus resources, receive early exposure to their technical department, and reflect on career direction, work habits, and goals.
Personalized Coaching & Academic Support
Our coaching model centers on practical, hands-on support that helps students succeed academically. Students will work directly with our Academic Specialist on academic straties to fit Ranken’s fast-paced environment.
Personal Development & Career Readiness
Our program provides ongoing coaching in personal development and career readiness. Students receive support with goal setting, self-advocacy, and stress management, while building the confidence needed to succeed academically and personally. We also offer guidance with résumé writing, interview preparation, exploring career pathways, and developing strong professional habits.
On-Campus Space
CB@Ranken maintains an on-campus space where students can study, meet with staff, and connect with peers. We host regular study sessions, workshops, social events, and self-care activities to help students relax, recharge, and build community.
Student Success Outcomes
CB@Ranken students achieve results well above national averages:
- Twice the graduation rate of similar peers nationally
- 89% of students on track to graduate
- 84% fall-to-spring persistence rate
- 72% graduation rate for students who join pre-summer programming
Quick Facts
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2021
The CB@Ranken program launched in 2017.
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~60
Approximately 60 students supported annually.
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$0
The CB@Ranken program is free to all students, funded by Enterprise Mobility
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2
The average CB@Ranken student receives support for 2 years.
What Makes CB@Ranken Different?
CB@Ranken provides a deep level of on-campus support for trade school students, helping them overcome challenges and graduate ready to excel in Saint Louis’s technical industries.