Diogene Artiles , now a sophomore at Columbia University , recalls gathering in a Manhattan auditorium his freshman year of high school with dozens of ninth graders. They clutched sealed envelopes containing the results of a test they had taken a few weeks earlier, administered by SEO Scholars, a college prep program that ushers low-income students to and through college.

Most, who were recently accepted into the program and accustomed to stellar grades and accolades from teachers and parents, were excited, and even a little cocky.

But when they ripped open the envelopes, some students gasped. Others shouted. The average score, out of 100 percent, lingered around 60.

“It was a reality check,” Mr. Artiles said. “I was shocked.”

Every year, this purposely dramatic moment is how students accepted into the SEO Scholars program (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) begin their time with the organization, which started in 1963 : with the realization that they are being profoundly underserved by their schools.