Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) often go above and beyond the call of duty to encourage engagement and provide support to traditionally underrepresented students. This issue of Lumina Foundation Focus magazine, titled "Pillars of progress," examines MSIs and their efforts to maximize student success.

'Near-peer' mentoring and other innovative efforts help widen the college track. In this issue, you'll read about programs increasing college access and success in Maine, Virginia, North Carolina, Washington state and at the national level.

College costs are rising and rates of degree attainment are falling. Learn about four innovative programs to help more students succeed.

Take a closer look at the heroes of college access: the counselors, mentors and advocates who work one-on-one with today's young people to help them become tomorrow's college students and future graduates.

Community colleges serve 47 percent of the nation's African-American undergraduates, 56 percent of Latinos and 57 percent of Native Americans. Learn how two-year institutions help millions of students overcome challenges in the pursuit of postsecondary opportunity.

The rising cost of college is a problem, not just for students and families, but also for officials and policy-makers. This issue tackles the college cost issue head on, exploring the problem from the varied perspectives of students, administrators and policy-makers.

Nontraditional students are becoming the norm in postsecondary institutions around the country as adults seek postsecondary education in growing numbers. Adult programs are now found in diverse types of institutions that are responding to the varied needs of adult students.

Today's colleges and universities must work to foster student success. Students who enroll in a four-year residential program right out of high school are no longer the norm -- #8212; and even many of those who fit this category come to campus with needs and expectations that defy traditional patterns.
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The doors to higher education remain closed to many deserving students. Tens of thousands of students -- #8212; especially low-income and minority students -- #8212; are academically unprepared for higher education, come from backgrounds in which college aspirations are not the norm, and/or lack the information they need to gain access.

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