Ivan
Fernandez
I needed some roots. I needed a connection. I wanted to be part of the community.
Too many Americans are failing to graduate college. Why? In part, because our assumptions about them are wrong. Most of us envision college students as 18- to 21-year-olds fresh out of high school. That’s no longer the reality.
Ivan
Fernandez
I needed some roots. I needed a connection. I wanted to be part of the community.
Lisa
Villarreal
I wanted to show my kids that I had what it took.
Kevin
Lee
My uncle was my role model. And I remember two things that he always told me: ‘Stay on point, and stay sucker-free.’ That’s what I’ve been doing.
Maliaka
White
I was kind of embarrassed to come back to school, but I always felt I had the potential to do more.
Timothy
Jones
At this time last year, I didn’t know where my life was going. Now I’ve got my foot in the door and my behind on the line.
Updating federal policies could help address factors at the heart of challenges that today’s students face – such as finances, work, and family – and boost success. Needed changes include:
Today’s students are vastly different from those of decades ago, but colleges are still structured as if 18- to 21-year-old, full-time students are in the majority. Some colleges and universities have improved to meet the needs of today’s students by offering convenient class times, transferring course credits, and making it easier to register for courses. But big gaps persist in many areas, including housing and child care.