The Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) was created at Florida State University in 1968 as Horizons Unlimited. In January 2000, FSU combined Horizons Unlimited, Multicultural Student Support Services, Minority Academic Programs, College Achievement, Minority Student Affairs, and the Summer Enrichment Program into one entity, thus establishing the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement. CARE operates to provide access and resources for success to students disadvantaged by virtue of educational and socioeconomic reasons.

Horizons Unlimited (established 1968)

The Horizons Unlimited Program was administered through the Multicultural Student Support Center. Established in 1968 by the Florida State University Faculty Senate, Horizons Unlimited was designed to give students who normally would not qualify an opportunity to enroll and succeed at Florida State University. Horizons Unlimited began with 25 students under the leadership of Dr. Earl Gordon. In its first year, Horizons Unlimited achieved a 72% retention rate! Horizons Unlimited became the CARE Collegiate Programs when FSU merged Horizons Unlimited the program under CARE.

View the First Newspaper Article on Horizons Unlimited !

Summer Enrichment Program (established 1978)

Originally administered under the umbrella of the College Achievement Program, the Summer Enrichment Program began in 1978 through the Office of Minority Academic Programs. SEP was an institutional measure to increase the representation of minorities in higher education. This program was designed as a high school-to-college bridge for minority and/or economically disadvantaged students, providing students with an intensive academic and social orientation to the University during the summer session. Students continued at the University during the fall semester and were assured continuing academic support. SEP became the Summer Bridge Program when FSU merged the program under CARE.