Mission: Associated Colleges of Illinois supports member colleges and universities by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, career and life. Founded in 1952, ACI is a collaboration of 24 independent, private, residential colleges and universities. The organization works with business and community leaders to help underserved students succeed, and it works to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of independent higher education. Key ACI programs include: + working with business and community leaders to raise scholarship funds for students at member colleges and universities + a Peer Mentoring Program at 12 member campuses, which aims to increase the retention rate for underserved students + College-to-Career programs, such as an annual career conference, boot camps offering career education ideas to college students, career mentoring for college seniors and micro-internships.