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 NCSL has joined with a college access program called ENLACE. The acronym stands for ENgaging LAtino Communities for Education and is Spanish for "link" or "weave together." ENLACE is a group of 13 partnerships sites in nine states. Sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, these partnerships include colleges, K-12 schools, community based organizations and families in seven states. The goal of program is to "weave" a support network and "link" P-20 partners to increase Latino student success through the educational pipeline.
College Preparatory Programs and Services
Since the start of the 20th century, post-secondary education has been viewed as the primary pipeline to economic advancement. In a 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 post-secondary 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.
Struggling K-12 public schools, dramatic increases in college tuition rates, and decreases in higher education funding have caused a leak in the pipeline for many of today's youth. It is projected that 37 percent of the workforce in the U.S. will be minorities by the year 2020, nearly 33 percent increase from 2000. Yet, only 15 percent of African Americans and 11 percent of Latino's age 25 or older have a bachelors degree. For low-income students, regardless of race, on average only 23 out of 100 will even enroll in college.
There are, however, numerous programs to increase college access for students most at-risk of not making it through the pipeline. These college access programs take many different forms and serve a variety of different 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, others incorporate service learning or recreational activities.
The size and funding for these programs also vary greatly. Some are large statewide federally funded programs, others are sponsored by private foundations or businesses, and others are small district or school-based initiatives. Although these programs may look as different as the students they serve, they all unite under the common belief that every student should be prepared for a full range of post-secondary options including college.
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