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Access College Foundation
Position Paper on Why Higher Education is Important
The Access College Foundation is a school-based program that has helped more than 30,000 students go to college since 1988. With college advisors in the 29 public high schools in the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk, Virginia, the Access College Foundation works to motivate, inspire, and assist students to enroll in, finance and complete a secondary education.
By promoting access to higher education, the Access College Foundation improves the lives of individuals and society as a whole. Many highly regarded studies have consistently shown that going to college has a measurable impact on social and economic conditions. Studies such as Education Pays, published by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, demonstrate higher salaries, improved health and increased volunteerism, as well as reduced reliance on public assistance programs.
According to a report by the Institute for Higher Education Policy in Washington D.C, higher education has an array of benefits, both public and private:
Higher salaries and increased personal status are the most obvious private benefits of higher education. Less obvious public benefits include improved social and economic conditions in the community. Social advantages of higher education include reduced crime rates, increased charitable giving and community service, and an improved quality of civic life.
However, the consequence of a lack of educational opportunity and attainment for children born into families with low incomes is an all too familiar story. On each step of the education ladder, students born into low-income families are least likely to succeed:
- At the first hurdle, they are least likely to graduate from high school.
- Among those who do graduate from high school, they are least likely to continue their education in college.
- Among those who do make it to college, they are least likely to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Nearly half of college-qualified, low income high school students are prevented from attending a four-year college. Not all college expenses are covered by student loans, financial aid and work-study programs. In addition to identifying additional sources of aid, the Access College Foundation provides Access "Last Dollar” Scholarships to qualified students.
Many students face considerable obstacles in making the decision to apply for and complete a post-secondary education. Low-income students, underrepresented groups and/or those who would be the first in their family/generation to obtain higher education are less likely to attend college. Additionally, other challenges include working full time and/or supporting a spouse or a child.
Genuine access to higher education requires us to instill the hope for college early and then continue to motivate students to achieve through academic, social and financial support to make their dream of college a reality. The Access College Foundation is dedicated to determining the best way to give every student in South Hampton Roads access to higher education and the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in the twenty-first century.
Making college attainable for more students offers many advantages for individuals, our community and our world. The Access College Foundation exists to achieve this mission and improve the quality of life, right here in South Hampton Roads.
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