Strategies to Support Higher Education Access

One in five college students today is raising a child. But the systems meant to support them still reflect outdated assumptions about who college is for and what students need to succeed. Student parents—overwhelmingly women and disproportionately women of color—comprise the “new majority” of adult learners who are navigating #HigherEd along w/ caregiving, full-time jobs, and serious financial pressure. Nearly two-thirds of student parents spend 40 hours/week caring for dependents (Trellis Strategies). The demographic cliff has finally forced institutions to look beyond the 18-year-old "traditional" student. What they’re finding is a massive, motivated population that’s too often unsupported. But there are bright spots and promising strategies that others can build on. 👩⚕️ At The College of Health Care Professions, #studentparents attend in-person classes just 1–2 times/week thanks to a #HyFlex model. They also get tailored advising & coaching. 🏫 Austin Community College's Parenting Student Project has improved retention, graduation, mental health, and financial stability. Over 95% of participants stay enrolled semester-to-semester. (Russell Lowery-Hart) 💡 The Single Moms Success Design Challenge—launched by Education Design Lab and supported by ECMC Foundation—aims to boost completion rates for single moms at #CommunityColleges by 30%. Early results are encouraging. 👉Bottom line: If we want to close equity gaps and boost credential attainment, we need to treat student parents as the high-potential, high-return population they are. And doing so will have outsize, multi-generational impact. That means: ✔️ Hybrid and flexible learning ✔️ Child care and housing supports (see: Beam, formerly Edquity) ✔️ Mental & behavioral health services (see: TimelyCare)  ✔️ Affordable, outcomes-based financing (see: Ascent) ✔️ Stronger workforce pathways If you're working on strategies to unlock #economicmobility and better serve #adultlearners —or want to start— I’d love to connect!

Long post alert - I don’t care if it gets zero engagement because I wrote it specifically for one person. 💌 Dear Oluwanifemi Ayodele, Grad school is hard. But for a self-sponsored international student, it’s a different kind of hard. It’s balancing 20+ hours of work a week with a full academic load, juggling research deadlines while worrying about rent, tuition, and visa restrictions. It’s the exhaustion of knowing there’s no safety net—just you, your resilience, and the determination to make it through. ↳ Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate this challenging journey: 1). Master the Art of Financial Planning: ➜ Break down your tuition and living expenses early so you know exactly how much you need each semester. ➜ Look for assistantships, scholarships, and emergency grants—some schools have hidden funding pools you won’t know about unless you ask. 2). Find Work That Works for You: ➜ Prioritize jobs that align with your career goals & interests so you gain experience while earning. ➜ Network with professors—they often have short-term projects or funding opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. 3. Optimize Time Like a Pro: ➜ Set clear boundaries—dedicate specific hours for work, study, and rest to avoid burnout. ➜ Learn to say no. Every commitment outside of work and academics should add value to your growth or well-being. 4). Build a Support System: ➜ Don’t isolate yourself. Even if it feels like no one understands your struggle, connecting with peers in similar situations will make a huge difference. ➜ Join student organizations or communities that support international students—they often share insider tips on jobs, funding, and mental health resources. ➜ Find mentors—professors, professionals, or alumni who have walked this path can offer invaluable guidance. 5). Take Care of Your Mind & Body: ➜ Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Poor health can cost you more than any paycheck will cover. ➜ Use campus mental health resources. Many international students struggle in silence—don’t be one of them. ➜ Schedule downtime, even if it’s just a walk, a hobby, or a phone call home. A reset can boost productivity and motivation. ↳ You’re Not Alone in This! Self-sponsoring grad school as an international student is a test of endurance, but it’s also a testament to your resilience. The skills you’re building—time management, adaptability, financial discipline—are shaping you into a powerhouse. I am rooting for you! Yours in Faith and Determination, Amaka Ifeduba, Ph.D. Feel free to repost ♻️ to help other international students in this situation. #elevateyourprofessionalpresencewith_Amaka

As high school dual enrollment (DE) continues to grow nationwide, online DE courses are becoming increasingly prevalent accounting for a third of more of DE in some states. In our latest Community College Research Center post, Davis Jenkins and I reflect on findings from our fieldwork research to highlight strategies for expanding access without sacrificing quality: https://lnkd.in/euhfBW9X What's the appeal of online DE? ✅ Increased Access: Online DE addresses logistical challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas where qualified instructors or transportation options may be limited. ⚠️ However, it's essential to proceed with caution given research indicating that students who take all their courses online may have lower success rates, especially among Black, Hispanic, and low-income students. Factors such as reduced engagement and limited interaction with faculty and peers contribute to these outcomes. In our fieldwork to sites with strong outcomes for DE students, we observed a distinct set of strategies for higher quality synchronous (e.g., live virtual) online courses, described below: 🧑🏫 Structured Support at High Schools Successful programs provide time and space during the school day for students to engage in online courses—using study halls for dedicated time to work on their online courses 👥 In-Person Facilitators High schools assign on-site staff facilitators—often teachers or aides (ideally with subject-matter knowledge)—to guide students, answer questions, and keep them engaged. 💬 Intentional Online Instruction Faculty who foster connection—via introductions, group work, and live discussion—create a much more engaging learning environment than those who rely on static content alone. 🏫 In-Person Touchpoints with Colleges Periodic faculty visits to high schools, plus student trips to college campuses, enrich the online experience and strengthen students' identity as college learners. ⚠️ Note of caution: We remain skeptical of fully asynchronous online dual enrollment, which we've yet to see implemented in a way that actively engages students in learning and thus helps build students’ confidence as college learners. By prioritizing student engagement, high-quality instruction, and thoughtful programmatic design, colleges can help ensure that online DE prepares students for postsecondary success rather than leaving them disengaged and discouraged. Read the full post on CCRC's blog and sign up for an upcoming National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships webinar with more detailed recommendations and examples from the field: https://lnkd.in/euhfBW9X #DualEnrollment #CommunityColleges #OnlineInstruction

More than a decade ago, three Ohio colleges decided to try something different. They adapted a model from CUNY called ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs) and its core idea is refreshingly simple: give students what they actually need to succeed. That includes things like intensive advising, tuition support, help with transportation, and assistance with other basic needs. Not flashy. Just the kind of support that reflects real student lives. To measure the program's impact, they split students into two groups—one with access to ASAP and one without. The results? *46% of ASAP students earned a degree compared to 31% in the control group. *ASAP students earned $3,300 more on average in their careers. That's not just a win for completion, it's a reminder that completion isn't just about determination or personal drive. It's about designing systems that actually help support students from enrollment to graduation. It's time we stopped asking students to do more with less, and start building programs tha work for them. Read more:

🎓 Celebrating a Blueprint for Change: The American Talent Initiative's Strategy for Education Equity 🎓 The American Talent Initiative (ATI) has recently unveiled its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing remarkable strides toward bridging the education gap for low- and moderate-income students at America's top-performing colleges and universities. Backed by the visionary support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and a committed coalition of higher education institutions, ATI's mission to foster inclusivity and opportunity is a beacon of hope and action. A Five-Step Strategy That's Making Waves Amidst the myriad challenges, not least of which has been the COVID-19 pandemic, ATI's carefully crafted five-step strategy is a testament to what visionary commitment coupled with strategic action can achieve: 1) Setting Specific Goals: ATI members setting ambitious enrollment targets have catalyzed a significant push towards more inclusive campuses. 2) Spotlights on Success: By identifying and learning from institutions that have made notable progress, ATI has created a culture of success that inspires and motivates. 3) Providing Resources: Increasing financial aid has been key to making higher education accessible for all, breaking down financial barriers to entry. 4) Expanding the Talent Aperture: Focusing on seamless community college transfer pathways has opened the doors to a wealth of talent traditionally overlooked by four-year institutions. 5) Holistic Student Support: The emphasis on comprehensive support services ensures that students not only enroll but thrive and succeed through to graduation. 🚀 Why This Matters 🚀 ATI's approach is more than just a set of strategies; it's a scalable blueprint for closing the education gap in America. The initiative's focus on actionable, result-driven goals serves as an exemplar for institutions nationwide. The early signs of success, including the enrollment of an additional 18,100 low-income students across member colleges and universities, underscore the tangible impact of ATI's efforts. Closing this gap is one step to help close downstream gaps we see in professions and careers. As advocates for access and equity, it's crucial to celebrate and promote such pioneering work. The ATI's approach provides a clear path forward for other institutions seeking to make a real difference in the lives of talented, underserved students. Let's continue to support and champion these initiatives, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential. #EducationEquity #InclusivityInEducation #AmericanTalentInitiative #AccessforAll

The recent Dear Colleague Letter from the U.S. Department of Education reinforces restrictions on race-conscious decision-making in federally funded institutions, raising important questions about how we continue to meet the needs of underserved students. While compliance is essential, this shift challenges us to rethink support structures that promote access and equity. Colleges and universities must explore alternative ways to ensure student success. Socioeconomic-based initiatives can provide financial and academic support without relying on race-specific criteria. Expanding partnerships with local organizations and employers can create career pathways and mentorship opportunities for students facing systemic barriers. Using data on first-generation status, financial need, and geographic disparities allows us to design effective outreach and interventions. Additionally, need-based funding for experiential learning, such as FWT stipends and travel assistance, ensures that all students can pursue internships and career opportunities regardless of financial limitations. This moment calls for innovation, not just compliance. The challenge is finding ways to uphold our commitment to student success while adapting to legal constraints. How can we continue fostering inclusive excellence and ensuring all students have the resources they need to thrive?

📢 In my new piece for Fast Company, I break down how colleges and states can take action now to support students—no matter what happens at the federal level. With basic needs funding in flux, we don’t have to wait for federal solutions. There are proven strategies that work: ✅ Peer navigators—Students trust their peers. Investing in student-led outreach helps more students apply for SNAP and other resources. ✅ Technology—AI tools can identify eligible students and streamline applications, removing barriers to food assistance. ✅ Policy change—States can expand SNAP eligibility and improve data-sharing to make sure students don’t fall through the cracks. Colleges and policymakers have the power to make a difference. Let’s act now to ensure students can focus on school—not survival. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gnu8tVNX #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #SNAP #BasicNeeds #PolicyChange #PeerNavigators #EducationEquity