College Guidance, Preparation, and Success

This seminal report, published earlier this week, tracks progress of Latino families and their access to higher education over the last thirty years. The report indicates widening disparities in family income, declines in relative participation of Latino males in American colleges, declines in first choice college attendance, and rising concerns about financing college. However, the report also note that despite these barriers to access, Latino/a population remain passionate about education, have a strong drive towards post-secondary success, and have remained committed to strong values and career-oriented goals. To learn more, visit http://www.heriucla.edu

A new Jobs for the Future report reiterates the disparity in college retention rates and points to ways dual enrollment systems can benefit students, allowing them to earn college credits while in high school and helping them transition smoothly into higher education. Why dual enrollment might work? Recent polls show that only 29 percent of community college students attain a degree, only 56 percent in four-year institutions, and only 11 percent of low-income students attain diplomas. Although dual enrollments are available to an increasing number of students, majority minority schools continue to lack this option, which plays into the issues of access and equity. Yet, the report notes, dual enrollment stands to benefit students who are least likely to consider college or be college bound, by challenging them intellectually, stimulating their thinking in new ways, and presenting students with an opportunity to get a taste of college. Visit: http://www.jff.org/