Mason Dixon Council

HistoryIn 2005, Nina Marks, an educator with more than 30 years of experience, founded Collegiate Directions with her husband Jonathan. They saw that bright, motivated students from low-income households lacked the support needed in order to graduate from college. Believing that a college path should be available to these young adults, the Markses developed a program to help them navigate financial, academic, and cultural obstacles. Nina and her team began building the program, initiating strong connections with Montgomery County public schools, community partners, and college admissions offices that wanted to support these high-achieving future graduates. From the beginning, the CDI program has provided invaluable services like college and financial aid counseling, test preparation, and campus transition support - working with Scholars and their families through college graduation.SpecialtiesThe CDI Scholars Program provides young men and women with opportunities and support on the path to college graduation. A college graduate is more likely to be employed, in good health, involved in the community, and able to contribute to government services and social insurance programs. But for low-income, first-generation students, the path to a college degree is daunting. These students are often unfamiliar with the college application process and unaware of the availability of financial aid--many assume that college is not an option. The CDI Scholars Program gives these bright, motivated high school students the chance to create a life of opportunity. From test preparation and admissions counseling to leadership training and study skills, we help our Scholars reach their academic dreams. CDI works closely with Scholars for over six years, empowering them to reach their goals and graduate from college.