Creating a Future Where Every Student Thrives

Oliver Wendell Holmes reminds us that our current position is not as important as the direction we are moving in. In other words, it's not where we are but where we are going that really matters.

As students and young professionals, having direction is crucial to achieving our goals. We must know where we want to go and how we plan to get there. Without a clear plan, we may find ourselves aimlessly wandering, unsure of what steps to take next. This can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, and even hopelessness.

However, with a clear direction in mind, we can work towards our goals with intention and purpose. We can make informed decisions, prioritize our time and resources, and stay motivated when faced with obstacles. Each step we take brings us closer to our end goal, and every setback teaches us valuable lessons that we can use to improve and grow.

So, let us remember the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes as we navigate through organizational goals. Let us focus on the direction we want to go and take intentional steps toward achieving our goals.

Where DO We Stand

From offering scholarships to providing mentorship, institutions are making conscious efforts towards ensuring that post-secondary educational opportunities are accessible to all students, regardless of their financial backgrounds, race, and ethnicity, or if they are first-generation college students. This progress is crucial since it helps level the playing field in education and provides opportunities for students who may not have had any before.

However, despite these progressions, there are still underlying challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that this progress is sustained. Research shows that while more and more underrepresented students are gaining access to college, the rates of enrollment, persistence, and educational attainment remain significantly lower compared to their peers in the academic pipeline. This means that once students from underrepresented backgrounds gain college access, they are less likely to graduate, and their educational aspirations may be negatively impacted.

Furthermore, historically underserved students continue to face inequalities in the resources available to them, such as counseling, tutoring, and technology. These services play a crucial role in helping students grow and develop academically. Without them, students may struggle to navigate the complex academic journey on their own, reducing their chances of educational attainment.

What Direction ARE WE Moving

When answering the question of whether higher education is moving in the right direction towards fulfilling its promise for all students…

Firstly, we must acknowledge and address systemic inequities that exist within higher education. This means actively working to dismantle the barriers that historically disadvantaged and marginalized communities face when pursuing higher education. It also means providing the necessary resources and support to ensure that these students have the tools they need to succeed.

Secondly, we need to rethink traditional notions of student success. Success in higher education should not be limited to simply graduating with a degree. It should also encompass the development of skills and competencies that will be useful in the workforce and in navigating life as a responsible citizen. This means focusing on outcomes that reflect a more holistic understanding of student success.

Lastly, we must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of higher education. This means not only promoting diversity in student populations, but also in faculty and staff hiring and retention. It means creating an environment that is welcoming and affirming to all students, regardless of their background or identity.

Overall, we must use introspection to honestly assess whether higher education is moving in the right direction toward fulfilling its promise for all students. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done.

In the words of inclusion strategist and influencer Verna Myers:

"Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being asked to dance. "

We can build on this statement. We believe that inclusion is a little more than being asked to dance.

INCLUSION is being on the party planning committee.

EQUITY is (as a member of the party planning committee) providing proper resources and opportunities to overcome related challenges that ensure the party is a success.

Existing statistics tell us that our work is far from done in our journey toward equity in higher education for all.

What CAN WE Do

The goal of improving college success outcomes may seem straightforward, but finding the pathway to achieving these results can be challenging. However, we make the case that identifying specific needs and developing creative solutions can lead to delivering effective results. That's why we encourage educational leaders to take action with these steps.

First, invest in your team's professional development. In today's constantly changing environment, institutions that help faculty and staff learn and adapt see significant returns on that investment. By providing ongoing learning opportunities, you can help ensure that your team is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support your students.

Second, continue to do the work of embedding DEI into your institution's routine policies and practices. This goes beyond just talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion and requires meaningful action. It's about making sure that everyone in your institution is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.

At BEYOND COLLEGE ACCESS®, we're committed to helping educational leaders achieve these goals. We envision a future in which each student excels beyond college access to achieve college success, such that race and ethnicity, family income, and parental education are no longer predictors of academic outcomes.