Let me draw an analogy. Boston Latin School is a test high school in Boston (part of Boston Public Schools). Great, great school. The percentage of students of color had been dropping in recent years so the district did a study and figured it out: there was a counselor or teacher who, on his own, did outreach to elementary schools with high percentages of students of color (in Boston typically low SES) to explain to them about Boston Latin and to encourage the test prep (there is a single exam). He retired and no one took over the program. The result was a sudden and drastic decrease in the number of students of color entering the school.
If you are white or Asian in Boston, EVERYONE knows the path. Typically: go to one of the few good elementary schools or catholic schools; start test prep in 3rd grade. Take test in 6th grade. Just like lots of kids in your neighborhood.
It’s not just about providing access. It’s about providing information and a path. My kids didn’t have to worry about that…they had two parents who went to good colleges and grad schools. They just had to two the work.