Postsecondary education has always been enormously valuable. But now, in today’s rapidly evolving global economy, it has become a near-necessity – a prerequisite for middle-class life and a key to the economic and social benefits that such a life affords. A college degree, once all but reserved for the elite members of society, is now recognized as a basic requirement for anyone who hopes to succeed in the modern workplace.

This increased emphasis on postsecondary education is a marvelous development – and not only for the individuals who are directly affected. As more Americans realize their full potential – as the skill and education levels of our citizens rise – so, too, rise our national standard of living, our collective level of civic involvement, our prospects for the future.

Of course, nothing that offers so many benefits can be achieved without effort. If we want more American students to enroll in postsecondary education – and to persist and succeed when they get there – we cannot ignore social and demographic realities. As the doors to college open wider, more of the people who walk through those doors will face challenges largely unknown to the elite students of yesterday – challenges posed by low income, or by their status as students of color or as students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Without doubt, we must work harder to overcome these challenges – for the sake of the students themselves, and for the nation as a whole. And working harder isn’t enough. We also need to work smarter – to approach the task in new ways that will work for new students. Business as usual just won’t cut it.

That’s what this issue of Lumina Foundation Focus is all about: the new – and sometimes unusual – business of delivering the college message and nurturing the college-going mind-set.

In this issue, you’ll find front-line stories from the battle to increase college access and success. For example:

• In Maine, you’ll be introduced to the zany, teen-oriented Kick Start program.
• In Virginia and North Carolina, you’ll meet young adults working as “near-peer” mentors in the National College Advising Corps.
• In Washington state, you’ll learn about an intergenerational program called New Path that aids Native American students.
• Finally, you’ll read about the KnowHow2GO college access campaign, a national public-awareness and student-assistance initiative.

In all of these efforts, dedicated individuals and organizations are working hard to improve college access and success among underserved students. We at Lumina are inspired by their example, and we’re very proud to support their work.

Even more inspiring, though, are the efforts of the students themselves. To a large extent, it is their goals – their dreams, their collective potential – that will determine our future as a nation.

We hope this issue of Lumina Foundation Focus serves to demonstrate that potential, and we urge you to join us in the ongoing effort to turn potential into progress.