Carrie Welton is a senior director for The Institute for College Access & Success and a former student-parent. Her lived experience informs her work to close equity gaps and drives her commitment to reduce barriers for the next generation of parenting students.

In this interview, Welton discusses what policymakers can do to better support student-parents and help them overcome barriers to accessing college and completing their degree.

Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

President Joe Biden’s education chief says he’s open to using “whatever levers” are available—including federal money—to discourage colleges from giving admissions preference to the children of alumni and donors.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona isn't elaborating on his options, but the federal government oversees vast sums of money that go to colleges in the form of student financial aid and research grants. The Education Department can also issue fines for civil rights violations, including racial discrimination.

Photo: Mel Melcon

College presidents and admission experts are expecting a significant increase in applications at Historically Black Colleges and Universities following this summer's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to ban race-based affirmative action policies.

At a time of heightened social divisions with race relations at the forefront, school administrators say the conservative majority court’s ruling opens a door for HBCUs to fill a gap for students and their families seeking an educational experience in which Black identity and culture are celebrated.