The Pathways to College Network -- a coalition of nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and other groups dedicated to improving the number of underrepresented groups at colleges and universities across the country -- recently released a report outlining more than 100 suggestions for making a college education more available to everyone.
The report, called "A Shared Agenda," was based on the findings of over 600 research studies, including scholarly research, policy research, case studies of low-income high schools and individual student interviews.
The report included steps to raise expectations for college-aged students, as well as to improve college preparatory courses.
Pathways, established in 2001, seeks to "change perceptions, practices and policies about academic preparation and college opportunity ... and make readiness for college success a fundamental goal of public education in the United States," according to the organization's Web site.
The report highlights statistics that show the correlation between minority status and school performance.
"Only about half of African-American and Latino ninth graders graduate from high school within four years, compared to 79 percent of Asian Americans and 72 percent of whites," it said.
Ann Cole, a project director for the group, said that despite some successful rises in the graduation rates of underprivileged high school and college students in recent years, "there is still a 25 to 30 percent difference between low- and high-income students."
"The challenge was, 'What can we do to eliminate this gap?'"
The myriad recommendations listed in the report encompass several underlying ideas.
First, there is a need to cultivate expectations that all students are entitled to a college education. Also, all high school students must be given a rigorous, college preparatory education. Educational programs need to "embrace and honor social and cultural backgrounds of all students," Cole said.
In addition, strong leadership must be sustained, proper funding is essential for hopeful college graduates and regular re-evaluation of the program is essential to its long-term success.
The implementation of A Shared Agenda's sweeping reform recommendations are still subject to certain roadblocks, Cole said.
"People don't think that college is for all kids," she said.
Other difficulties include qualitative differences between schools, as well as the problem of providing teachers with additional training and support "so that they are well grounded in the subjects they are teaching," Cole added.
Moving forward from the study, Pathways is currently encouraging colleges to create a more supportive culture for underrepresented groups, as well as to offer early financial aid commitments so that students can better choose the right institution.
