Education Program
College Preparatory Programs and Services
Since the beginning of the 20th century, post-secondary education has been viewed as the primary pipeline to economic advancement. In the 21st century economy, this need for a college education will only increase. According to the Education Commission of the States, 80 percent of new jobs will require some sort of postsecondary education. With only 42 percent of all high school graduates prepared to begin college level work, states may be faced with a human capital crisis.
Many factors, including struggling K-12 public schools, dramatic increases in college tuition rates, and decreases in higher education funding, have caused leaks in the educational pipeline for many of today's youth. It is projected that 37 percent of the workforce will consist of minorities by 2020, an increase of nearly 33 percent from 2000. Yet, only 15 percent of African Americans and 11 percent of Latinos age 25 or older have a bachelor's degree. For low-income students, regardless of race, only an average of 23 of 100 will enroll in college.
There are, however, numerous programs to increase college access for those students who are most at risk of not enrolling in college. These programs take many forms and serve a variety of students. The programs range from in-school programs that start as early as elementary school to college-based programs that start in the senior year of high school. Some programs focus on increasing academic readiness, while others specialize in college admissions or financial aid. Some involve families and mentors, and others incorporate service learning or recreational activities.
The size and funding for these programs also vary greatly. Some are large, statewide, federally funded programs, some are sponsored by private foundations or businesses, and others are small district or school-based initiatives. Although these programs may appear to be as different as the students they serve, all unite under the common belief that every student should be prepared for a full range of postsecondary options, including college.
NCSL, in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is working to raise awareness of one such college access program, ENLACE. The acronym which stands for ENgaging LAtino Communities for Education, is Spanish for "to link" or "to weave together." ENLACE is available at 13 program sites in seven states. Sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, these programs include partnerships with colleges, K-12 schools, community-based organizations and families in the seven states. The goal of the program is to weave a support network and link P-20 partners to increase Latino student success throughout the educational pipeline.
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