Economic mobility has long been a core element of higher education’s promise. Because economic attainment is connected to full participation in civic life, economic mobility is a prerequisite for a healthy democracy. Thus, attention has focused on identifying which institutions are catalyzing economic mobility for low-income students. Ranking systems highlighting institutions that are especially effective have emerged, along with the new Carnegie Access and Earnings Classification. Against this backdrop, Public Agenda has undertaken a sustained qualitative and quantitative research effort to understand how strong performers achieve results. In this session, participants will learn the factors and practices that produce strong mobility outcomes. Topics include building financial models to keep college affordable for low-income students, engaging low-income families in the recruitment process, and creating strong communications channels from student-facing staff to senior leaders. We will provide tools for institutions to begin planning efforts to improve mobility outcomes for low-income students.
This session is in partnership with Public Agenda.
