This study aimed to investigate and improve the college readiness of students in an innercity public school. Recent statistics on college completion in a prominent city in the U.S. reveal that only 52% of students from inner-city schools graduate with college degrees within six years. This is quite worrisome, considering that 71% of jobs in that state require some form of post-secondary education. The inner-city public school investigated in this study, like many other inner-city schools, serves mostly Black and Latinx students. With the increasing number of immigrants entering the U.S., many inner-city public schools are seeing a notable rise in their population of English Language Learners. Despite this trend, our schools continue to operate as usual with minimal adjustments to ensure that this student demographic is adequately prepared for college. In the first phase of this study, college educators and English Language learners identified several factors that could improve students' college experiences. These include in-depth knowledge of college culture and resources, a more challenging high school curriculum with higher teacher expectations, academic support skills, and positive self-concepts and attitudes. In the second phase, I developed an after-school college preparation program incorporating some of these factors. The program's impact was assessed through in-depth analysis of interviews, focus group transcripts, and surveys. The data collected in the second phase indicated that students benefited from these strategies and felt more prepared for college. My research site, as well as numerous other inner-city schools labeled as college-readiness institutions place significant emphasis on enhancing curriculum rigor and guiding students through the college application process. My study reveals that further action is necessary to help students develop the additional essential elements for college success. This includes nurturing positive self-concepts and attitudes, fostering academic support skills, and ensuring students are well-versed in college culture. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]