Advancing the Work of Community Colleges
About College Board
College Board is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization that connects students to success beyond high school. Since 1900, we’ve worked to expand access to higher education and career opportunities. Today, our global membership includes over 6,000 educational institutions, all committed to advancing excellence and opportunity in education.
Each year, College Board supports over seven million students through programs and services that promote college and career readiness—including the SAT®, Advanced Placement® (AP®), and our growing portfolio of career-connected learning initiatives.
Empowering Community Colleges
Recognizing the vital role of community colleges in shaping the future workforce, College Board offers a suite of tools, resources, and partnerships tailored to support community college professionals and students. Our efforts include:
BigFuture® Resources
A comprehensive platform that helps students explore careers, plan for college, and access financial aid. Educators can find curated tools to guide students at every step.
BigFuture® Scholarships
A unique program that rewards students for completing key steps in the college planning process— including pathways for career and technical education (CTE) students.
AP® Career Kickstart
A groundbreaking initiative that integrates AP coursework with career exploration and industry-aligned skills. Designed to help students—especially those in CTE pathways—connect academic learning with real-world applications and workforce readiness.
CTE Integration with AP® and CLEP®
Resources that show how AP and CLEP can be embedded into CTE programs to accelerate student progress and credential attainment. *Note: Updates to these resources coming soon.
ACES – Admitted Class Evaluation Service™
ACES™ is a free online service that allows colleges and universities to use a combination of selected College Board tests and additional predictors to establish the validity of those measures for use in course placement. This is especially important for community colleges that want to demonstrate the effectiveness of their placement policies and practices.
Community Colleges Access Plan
Gain access to our enrollment solutions Search and Connections: We’ve designed a subscription plan that meets the unique goals and budgets of community colleges and technical schools, helping you find students seeking a two-year program.
Research & Policy Advocacy
College Board conducts and shares research on key issues affecting community colleges, from admissions and placement to equity and student success.
Assessment Tools
- ACCUPLACER®: Provides accurate placement for required coursework.
- Advanced Placement Program® (AP): Expands access to college-level learning and helps students earn credit and stand out in college admissions.
- CLEP®: Validates prior learning and helps students earn credit for what they already know.
- SAT® Suite of Assessments: Help identify academic strengths and support student advising.
Professional Development & Events
- College Board National Events: College Board offers a wide variety of events throughout the year that bring education professionals from across the nation together in an environment of learning and problem-solving.
- Higher Education Professional Development and Training: College Board proudly supports the leadership and professional growth of higher education members through opportunities to build essential skills, forge lasting connections, and advance careers at every stage.
A Partnership for Student Readiness and Success
College Board is uniquely positioned to bridge K–12, community colleges, and four-year institutions. Through our membership network, assemblies, councils, and collaborative networks, we foster alignment and innovation across the education continuum.
We are committed to supporting your mission—whether you're helping students transfer, earn credentials, or enter the workforce with confidence.