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THE COLLEGE COMPLETION GAP AN ACTION GUIDE FOR PHILANTHROPY HOW TO INCREASE GRADUATION RATES SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS AND BRIDGE THE COLLEGE COMPLETION GAP A PUBLICATION OF THE CRIMSONBRIDGE FOUNDATION 2023

Gifts for scholarships and financial aid to attend college are deeply rooted in American philanthropy They represent our being able to give back and pay it forward helping the next generation achieve their college and professional dreams opening the door to higher earnings and progress Giving designated to support first generation students and students coming from under resourced backgrounds is important key for them to build a better future and in itself a source of joy 2

But did you know that out of all the first generation students enrolled in college many supported by scholarship funding only 42 will graduate Many of the reasons that lead to a nearly 60 drop out rate are beyond the students control But these obstacles to their success and the success of the scholarship can be addressed This is a solvable problem if we work together Please join us 3

About The Crimsonbridge Foundation The Crimsonbridge Foundation is an entrepreneurial philanthropic organization that builds bridges of collaboration to create transformative solutions that improve the lives of our nation s youth and families We innovate and strategically invest in education leadership and capacity building programs to help America s youth and nonprofit organizations succeed College Success The Crimsonbridge Foundation s team has decades of combined experience working for college success and meaningful career pathways We have partnered as a grantmaker program designer and trusted advisor with nonprofits universities high schools community colleges and research organizations We also advise and collaborate with foundations financial advisors individual donors and donor advised funds Crimsonbridge connects philanthropists at different points in their philanthropic journey to giving opportunities and solutions to bridge the college graduation gap We call these entry points finding or creating the most effective way to support college success that A meets the expectations experience and capacity of the philanthropist and B is the most appropriate research based results oriented student centered intervention that also supports colleges efforts to remove the obstacles to college completion Our Priorities Improve college completion and success for all students especially first generation students and students underrepresented in higher education Build physical digital and technology infrastructure that serves all students Identify and elevate research that increases awareness collaboration and momentum towards college success Join us Learn more about opportunities to fund collaborate and partner on philanthropic programming with Crimsonbridge at www crimsonbridge org or contact us at collegesuccess crimsonbridge org Crimsonbridge Partners in College Success as of 2022 Capital Partners for Education now Spark the Journey cpfe org Catholic University Take Flight cultural catholic edu takeflight Center for First generation Student Success firstgen naspa org College Success Foundation DC collegesuccessfoundation org regions district of Columbia CollegeTracks collegetracksusa org Collegiate Directions Inc collegiatedirections org Cristo Rey Network cristoreynetwork org Excelencia in Education edexcelencia org Generation Hope generationhope org Georgetown Scholars Program gsp georgetown edu The Hope Center hope4college com KIPP kipp org MDRC mdrc org New Futures newfuturesdc org 4

Introduction A Letter From The Crimsonbridge Foundation Dear Reader You ve likely opened this guide because you believe in the value of earning a college degree You know that college graduates have access to more jobs greater earning potential higher homeownership rates better health outcomes and a host of growth opportunities all steps to achieving the American Dream While students will choose different career pathways such as professions and occupations that require academic or technical certifications the key is that they successfully graduate achieving their educational goals and opening doors to progress and a steady income Research and data assert that college graduation and meaningful career pathways for students are vital for equity and the economic prosperity of the United States Scholarship giving has been a mainstay in philanthropy and a heartfelt practice of alumni donors and foundations These gifts have increased access to higher education and helped millions of students get to college But even after they receive scholarships only 42 first generation and low income college students earn a bachelor s degree within six years This difference between college access and graduation is known as the College Completion Gap Scholarships play a key role in helping students get to college and cover tuition costs but scholarships alone are not enough to provide the tools and footing necessary for all students to go through college and have a fair chance at graduation As we illustrate in this guide many reasons beyond a student s control force them to leave college Fortunately there are promising practices and innovative solutions helping students across the country make their way to and through college Informed by our philanthropic practice and work with research higher education and nonprofit partners this guide offers strategic advice and points to high potential areas for philanthropy to make a difference We hope you ll agree this is an historic opportunity for philanthropy to help bridge the college completion gap and the time to act is now Crimsonbridge is on a mission to make college completion a reality for students families and our country Join us Gabriela Smith Founder and Executive Chair Danielle M Reyes President and Chief Executive Officer 5

Table of Contents 4 About The Crimsonbridge Foundation and College Success 5 Introduction A letter from the Crimsonbridge Foundation 7 Guide at a Glance A summary of issues opportunities and recommendations presented in this guide 16 The 4 Main Challenges to College Success Background and data on the needs of students and the value of supporting students to and through college 22 Solutions Addressing Obstacles to College Success Meeting Basic Needs Building Belonging and Connection Accessing Resources and Academic Support Navigating Degree and Career Pathways 33 Philanthropy in Action Recommendations for Donors Where to Begin Recommendations for Donors and Blueprint for Action 42 Resources 6

GUIDE AT A GLANCE

Guide at a Glance A college degree is still the single most influential determinant of multigenerational progress and ending the cycle of poverty Across the United States the contributions of philanthropists foundations and donoradvised funds are having a transformational impact on education Gifts dedicated to helping first generation students and students from under resourced communities are a traditional way to give the next generation the key to a better future However while colleges continue to admit a record number of students from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds the ability to pay college tuition is only part of the challenge that holds many students back from graduating Even if they receive scholarships only 42 of first generation college students earn a bachelor s degree within six years In other words a roughly 60 dropout rate is the shocking outcome of philanthropy that is well intended welcome and needed but that is missing crucial pieces which deeply undermine its effectiveness But it doesn t have to be this way There is an increasing understanding of the challenges facing these students and as we ll see in this guide a growing consensus and movement to improve college graduation rates by creating a comprehensive approach that extends beyond funding for access college preparation and scholarships Successful strategies include integrated services for students resources meaningful peer relationships and mentoring that set the stage for earning a degree Philanthropy needs to work alongside students families nonprofit programs and higher education institutions Crimsonbridge developed this guide based on years of research and practice by each of these stakeholders In this guide we offer context on the current state of college success and present the most compelling opportunities to direct dollars towards student centered solutions These are philanthropic investments that can change the lives of millions of students and address the urgent need to increase college completion rates across the country This guide will leave philanthropists with 1 increased awareness of commonly faced barriers for college students 2 ideas for successful interventions and innovative solutions addressing these challenges and 3 recommendations for those who want to make a difference regardless of how much time and engagement they are able to give to this cause with multiple points of entry for individual donors financial and philanthropic advisors foundation staff donor advised fund contributors and others considering philanthropic investments to raise graduation rates This is a call to action to take part in a rising college success movement and gifts at any level have the power to transform the lives of students families and our nation 8

Guide at a Glance BUILDING BRIDGES TO COLLEGE SUCCESS AND CAREER PATHWAYS ON 3 PILLARS Out of every 10 first generation college students and students on scholarships already accepted and enrolled in a higher ed institution 6 students will stop or drop out from school within sixyears of starting their degree lacking the tools to successfully complete college Only 4 of the 10 students that started college will graduate with a bachelor s degree within six years Why are we losing 60 of those who initially enrolled ACCESS TO COLLEGE ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID Scholarships cover tuition basic university food housing and books Scholarships are not designed to cover other factors needed to successfully go through college PERSISTANCE THROUGH COLLEGE COMPLETION CRITICAL TO COLLEGE SUCCESS SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF DEGREE WITHIN SIX YEARS 1 Meeting Basic Needs 2 Building Belonging and Connection 3 Resources and Academic Support 4 Navigating College and Career Pathways Philanthropy needs to do everything possible to continue covering access and supporting colleges providing the persistence tools students need to graduate Without enough support in these areas nearly 60 of students drop out BEYOND ACCESS PERSISTING THROUGH COLLEGE 9

Guide at a Glance STOHLEUCTHIOALNLSEANDGDESRETSOSICNOGLLTEHGEECSHUACLCLEESNSGES TO COLLEGE SUCCESS 1 Meeting Basic Needs Disengaged from campus advocates Food and housing insecurity not having enough to eat or a place to stay Job insecurity unemployment or underemployment Lack of access to emergency aid Physical emotional mental health needs Caregiving needs or family obligations 2 Building Belonging and Connection Feel alone or don t feel they belong to a community Limited or no social and academic support Far from their families schools or friends Families may find it challenging to relate to their new experiences 3 Accessing Resources and Academic Support 4 Navigating College and Career Pathways Challenging to make connections to advisors Degree pathways may not be aligned with faculty mentors coaches peers and campus students educational goals organizations Gaps between degree plan and desired career Unable to access key campus influencers and field requirements deciders connected to a degree program Milestones are unclear or not communicated Inaccessible campus resource offices i e with students financial aid career services disability services Transfer pathways are hard to navigate etc No credit for prior learning and experience Feel intimidated or unwelcome 10

Guide at a Glance SOLUTIONS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES TO COLLEGE SUCCESS 1 Meeting Basic Needs 2 Building Belonging and Connection Emergency aid programs that respond quickly and connect students to resources Mental health services 1 1 and group counseling wellness programming provided at scale Understanding of stress determinants in a college experience Dedicated resources and staff for basic needs support Communications campaigns that share information about services especially at key times and milestones Student voices represented in the decisionmaking around addressing basic needs Programs that position students as welcome capable and valued Options and guidance on how to engage with campus communities and support networks is clear and available to all students Understanding of a hidden curriculum or college knowledge to succeed in degree program Physical and psychological safety Interventions that support academic and social integration and long term well being Advising approaches that are inclusive and culturally sensitive Intentional ongoing and embedded diversity equity and inclusion efforts 3 Accessing Resources and Academic Support Access to advisors mentors programs and networks Guidance and resources that support today s college students experiences and goals Trusted network of support to check in with students regularly Prioritized support for individual students with emergent needs Scaled services and interventions for all students and groups 4 Navigating College and Career Pathways Timely advising that aligns with students educational goals Clear entrance requirements and degree milestones Connections between major desired career and a meaningful family sustaining wage Pathway options with entry and exit points informed by student experiences Coordination for extracurricular requirements Paid internships and faculty led research projects available Participation in career services Career exposure opportunities programming and guidance 11

Guide at a Glance PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DONORS WHERE TO BEGIN IT BEGINS WITH YOU Whether you are a first or second generation philanthropist seasoned donor new funder donor advised fund contributor traditional philanthropist philanthropic advisor foundation professional a long term supporter of education or graduate seeking to help their alma matter you should YOUR APPROACH AND STRATEGY Think about your giving as a philanthropic investment which measures success in terms of social benefit achieved as a direct or leveraged result of your philanthropic funding Your scholarship funding is helping students access college but are those students successfully graduating Find out if your philanthropy is succeeding or if there are interventions needed to make sure it does ACCESS ADVISORY RESOURCES AND WORK WITH YOUR PREFERRED PHILANTHROPIC VEHICLE You don t need to be an expert to be impactful or make it your life mission You can find the right advisors to help you make a difference The vehicle you use for your giving will determine the process of how you do it and will also shape how much advice and assistance you can get in the giving process 12 WORK FROM YOUR BASELINE As a donor you have your profile and different levels of expertise in a variety of fields You might be an expert in certain areas and need advice on others Also you might be very involved or have minimal engagement in your philanthropy Either way you can make sure there is due diligence and measurement of meaningful outcomes Simply establish your baseline for your scholarship college completion giving and work from there

DEEP DIVE Philanthropy in Action 13 13

Guide at a Glance BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION AND POINTS OF ENTRY BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION AND POINTS OF ENTRY 1 ASSESS Based on your donor profile and baseline tap into your philanthropy advisory resources to help you assess how to support college completion efforts 2 INQUIRE Respectfully inquire about graduation rates and college success programs and find out about efforts by the university and other organizations to increase graduation rates What are the chances that students receiving your scholarship funding will graduate How can your philanthropy help increase graduation rates The questions on page 38 will illuminate opportunities and demonstrate that you want your philanthropy to leverage ongoing efforts improving the path to graduation and the success of students 3 GO BEYOND SCHOLARSHIPS Prioritize and specify your funds towards efforts that help college students thrive and complete degrees Be clear about your focus Specify a percentage of your scholarship funding to be applied to programs supporting first generation and low income students in other words funds that would not go to tuition but to programs to support completion That might just be key to ensure those students have what s needed for graduation 4 DIVERSIFY YOUR PHILANTHROPIC PORTFOLIO Consider diversifying your philanthropy portfolio to support different types of nonprofit organizations addressing the graduation gap from different angles Beyond the colleges you support you can help innovative local and national nonprofits 5 WHERE TO GIVE EVERY QUALIFIED OPPORTUNITY CONSTITUTES AN ENTRY POINT FOR YOUR PHILANTHROPY You can focus on the colleges you already support by asking about graduation rates and helping develop or fund programs to support college success You can also help nonprofit organizations addressing the challenges faced by first generation college students support high school based online alumni resources dedicated to college completion especially when the colleges they attend don t have resources in place There are many opportunities to support college completion You can learn about innovative initiatives partnerships and collaborations in the field on page 26 14

Guide at a Glance PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS EXIST BEYOND HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS Nonprofits local regional and national with to and through college success programs Colleges and Universities with student success services and programs Professional Associations and Research Organizations focused on college success Community and Operating Foundations with college success initiatives High schools supporting the success of their graduates in college National networks such as the Cristo Rey Network and KIPP are developing throughout high school based online alumni resources dedicated to college completion to follow mentor and guide their alumni especially when the colleges they attend don t have resources in place Fund local and national organizations advocating for and providing needed services Learn about some of our college success partners on page 4 ALL GIFTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Whether a small donation a grant recommendation to a donor advised fund a large foundation gift or a multimillion dollar investment support at all levels can make a meaningful difference For examples of excellent organizations working to address the challenges to college completion please go to page 22 Do not be overwhelmed by the choices start with your baseline and philanthropic advisory group Assess and inquire so you can make sure your funds support student success Go beyond scholarships for the colleges you support Expand and diversify your philanthropic portfolio so you can address the problem from different angles and support key stakeholders Reach out and partner with experts in the field You can make it very simple and very impactful at the same time For additional information guidance and throughout advice you can contact the Crimsonbridge Foundation at collegesuccess crimsonbridge org 15

THE 4 MAIN CHALLENGES TO COLLEGE SUCCESS

The 4 Main Challenges to College Success Prior to the COVID 19 pandemic only 12 of students from low income families earned a bachelor s degree by age 25 compared to 70 of students from high income families In addition only 14 of community college students transferred to a university and completed a bachelor s degree within six years Half of all students in higher education choose a community college whether an associate or bachelor s degree but fewer than half those students finish what they start Many students from under resourced households excel in high school only to falter in college and struggle to land good jobs Why is this happening These are the 4 main obstacles to college success 1 Meeting Basic Needs College students leave college for many reasons often a combination of factors come into play in the decision to stop going to school Chief among the impediments to success that students face unmet basic needs Food and housing insecurity not having enough to eat or a place to stay top that list but it also includes transportation insecurity no car or access to affordable transit job insecurity unemployment or underemployment and a lack of access to emergency aid that can make the difference between staying or going While financial aid packages might include university food and housing dorms and student cafeterias might be closed during holiday breaks If students could not afford a ticket home they might find themselves away from family with no access to housing or food Sometimes they cannot afford the ticket back to school a winter coat or they might feel guilty that they are going to school instead of working to help their family These are non issues for students coming from medium high income families But for students from lowincome backgrounds these are real obstacles to their ability to attend college Unmet basic needs can also relate to physical emotional mental social and caregiving needs not being addressed For example a lack of access to affordable childcare for a young student parent Or inadequate mental health and wellness services for students who need such resources A student or family crisis or emergency can force an enrollee off campus away from classes and eventually lead to leaving altogether Any family or caregiving responsibility that conflicts with college expectations can derail a student College students whose needs aren t met impacts college completion rates academic achievement and physical and mental health A lack of access to safe nutritious food obtained in a socially acceptable manner causes students to reduce or restrict intake and endure physical hunger 17

The 4 Main Challenges to College Success Almost forty percent of students at two year colleges reported skipping meals due to lack of access for at least an entire day in the previous month according to the 2021 RealCollege survey the nation s by The Hope Center for College Community and Justice at Temple University in Philadelphia There were so many times that I was on the edge of not being able to pay rent not being able to afford childcare It would ve been very easy for me to drop out of college For the vast majority of students those sinkholes are everywhere Nicole Lynn Lewis CEO Founder Generation Hope and author of Pregnant Girl A Story of Teen Motherhood College and Creating a Better Future for Young Families 2 Building Belonging and Connection College students need to feel welcome and that they belong and fit in their new environment Many students have left high school and friends they made at home behind They may be on their own for the first time They may struggle to negotiate a new unfamiliar environment unsure about what the future may bring or how long they can afford to attend Just because a student got into college doesn t mean they feel like they fit in When barriers to success raise their head a tough class a bureaucratic hurdle a financial hiccup students can turn to friends teachers or advisors for assistance It becomes harder to slip through the cracks when a student belongs to a supportive community Students who feel they belong tend to seek out campus resources which furthers their success Studies show that connected college students do better on important measures such as physical and mental health and emotional well being Students who feel a strong sense of belonging are also more engaged and more likely to join college organizations take on research opportunities and make connections with peers faculty and staff Students who feel like they belong earn higher grades and opt into and succeed in more difficult courses according to a July 2020 study in Science Advances on broad access higher education institutions 18

TCThheae4l4lMeMnagaienisnCtCohhaClalolelnleenggegeseSstoutocCcCoelsolslelgeegeSuScuccecsesss When students don t feel like they belong they can become disengaged disconnected demoralized disillusioned and discouraged Feeling a sense of belonging to a school community is especially important for students from historically excluded groups in college This includes students whose lived experiences are not shared by students in the majority on their campuses When underrepresented student populations do not feel a strong senseof belonging on their campus it impacts how they integrate perform and persist Maithreyi Gopalan Students Sense of Belonging Varies by Institution Identity by Elin Johnson Inside Higher Ed 3 Accessing Resources and Academic Support To be successful on college campuses students must make connections to faculty advisors mentors coaches peers campus organizations financial aid staff special programs coordinators career service employees study abroad coordinators work study supervisors it s a long and important list of touchpoints But many students find it challenging disheartening or intimidating to access or make these connections and require support especially first generation students and historically marginalized students to succeed in this area Consider that according to the American Association of Community Colleges 29 percent of the nation s community college students are the first in their families to attend college In addition 20 percent of community college students have a disability 15 percent are single parents 9 percent are non U S citizens and 5 percent are veterans All these students may need extra attention accessing resources and require academic support So too so called parking lot students a term some peers use to describe students who go from the car park to class and back to their car which makes it difficult for them to access resources and connect with campus life 19

The 4 Main Challenges to College Success Colleges and nonprofit organizations are working to strengthen bonds to campus life degree programs and internal and external resources both human and services For instance charitable organizations including Crimsonbridge allies such as Capital Partners for Education Catholic University Take Flight Collegiate Directions CollegeTracks College Success Foundation DC Cristo Rey Network Generation Hope and New Futures work to bridge these gaps for students in need I think every kid deserves a positive guiding influence in their lives whether that comes in the form of parental support or community based advocates or one on one mentoring says Lester McKee Program Director at College Success Foundation DC College students agree New Futures got me through the impossible and now I m growing into the person I ve dreamed of becoming says Rohan a program participant They gave me the tools I needed to complete my associate degree connected me with the right advisors and resources introduced me to professionals and companies related to my field advised me on my business portfolio and are helping me pay for my bachelor s degree adds Rohan who earned an associate of science in cybersecurity and is a second time scholar pursuing a bachelor s in cybersecurity at the University of Maryland Global Campus formerly University of Maryland University College College matters so much because it isn t just about book learning or the development of tangible skills The students who complete it typically go on to earn more and live healthier and happier lives David Leonhardt and Sahil Chinoy The College Dropout Crisis New York Times 20

The 4 Main Challenges to College Success 4 Navigating Degree and Career Pathways Students need to plan for college success Often there is inaccessible or inadequate advising in this realm Students tend to do better with structure following defined academic pathways or degree road maps versus randomly signing up for classes Students may stop or stall enrollment because of academic hurdles that seem insurmountable including STEM science technology engineering and mathematics or English literacy reading and writing requirements College students need academic preparation and intentional advising to meet their degree goals on a reasonable timeline from the start to finish of their college years Guidance includes help navigating through the initial transition to college and college transfers assistance with developmental education and testing requirements support through key academic milestones registration and enrollment 1st to 2nd year math and writing course requirements STEM courses degree requirements and more It means assistance with annual financial aid processes including FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid And support with negotiating online learning access to tutors mentors and supplemental instruction Students need support to identify and achieve their career goals to connect to a meaningful career They need assistance with career pathways exposure opportunities and guidance and connection to relevant jobs internships externships or related certificates or apprenticeships in career and technical education Reform is in the works There is a movement to improve college completion with better career outcomes for students by redesigning students journeys through college and offering the kind of leadership mentoring and support students need along the way College students aremorelikely tocompleteadegreein atimely fashionif theychooseaprogramand developanacademicplanearly on haveaclearroadmapof the coursestheyneedto taketocomplete a credential and receiveguidance andsupporttohelp themstayon plan Community College Research Center 21

SOLUTIONS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES TO COLLEGE SUCCESS

SSoolluuttiioonnss AAddddrreessssiinngg CChhaalllleennggeess ttoo CCoolllleeggee SSuucccceessss Is it the best use of philanthropy to focus on college access and financial aid if two thirds of those students don t graduate Philanthropy s support is needed from access through completion and to career The solution is a combination of financial aid and programs that help first generation and low income students to be successful The good news is that a lot can be done There are many interventions initiatives and programs successfully addressing the obstacles to college success Some originate in the schools others are external nonprofits and many are supported by philanthropic investments While these programs might focus on one specific challenge or another the reality is that by addressing one type of obstacle other problems begin to be resolved In this section we present programs addressing these challenges from around the country These are examples of ingenuity commitment possibility and they can serve as inspiration to philanthropists as we can see the impact of philanthropy in action Each example in this guide represents an entry point for readers who want to help and a solution for addressing the college completion challenge 1 Meeting Basic Needs Colleges and universities are bolstering efforts designed to meet students basic needs Food pantries and other food access programs such as Swipe Out Hunger have sprouted on campuses in every state Addressing basic insecurity issues for college students is an area that is also garnering attention at the federal level witness the September 2021 Congressional hearing on hunger on college campuses Emergency Aid Keeping College Students in the Classroom Emergency aid programs have been developed or expanded and designed to quickly and effectively respond to crises that could hinder a student s ability to complete college For instance the GeorgetownScholars Program at Georgetown University in Washington D C offers extra financial support via microgrants from its Necessity Fund Endowment which was launched with a 1 million gift and is designed to offer financial assistance to first generation and low income students These small grants can help cover unexpected and or emergency costs that arise throughout a student s time on campus Common grant requests include medical co pays career development expenses for example for professional attire or funding for graduate school application fees and off campus mental health counseling 23

SSoolluuttiioonnss AAddddrreessssiinngg CChhaalllleennggeess ttoo CCoolllleeggee SSuucccceessss The private college also provides modest grants to students encountering other unexpected out of pocket expenses such as grocery stipends winter clothing DACA expenses and emergency travel Funded by Georgetown s donor community and administered by the university s Georgetown Scholars Program the fund now distributes several thousand grants annually In the fiscal year 2020 the fund provided Georgetown students with nearly 700 000 in emergency aid including significant resources to support the transition to a virtual learning environment The GSP Necessity Fund is a crucial complement to students financial aid packages The university has seen a significant increase in demand from students for this additional support the number of necessity fund grant awards distributed annually has grown more than 150 in the past five years This kind of giving is considered emergency aid but it is also funding that supports the true cost of college attendance not just tuition housing food and fees but also transportation technology mental healthcare and other expenses that can add up Georgetown is just one example At Georgia State University Panther Retention Grants award funds of as little as 300 the average grant is under 1 000 to assist students within a few courses of graduation who have unmet financial needs A few hundred dollars really can make the difference between completing a degree or not The program at this public Atlanta based university has an impressive return rate 86 of students who receive a Panther Completion Grant graduate Beyond the Food Pantry Nourishing Students on Campus The University of California system with nine public undergraduate campuses across the Golden State is considered a trailblazer in innovation to address students basic needs Consider UC Berkeley s Basic Needs Center a one stop shop for students with food housing and financial insecurity that opened in 2019 Many colleges and universities have a basic needs center with a food pantry nutrition workshops aid for unhoused students and referrals to off campus social services But Berkeley s center goes further It features a space where representatives from local agencies hold office hours to assist students with rental housing applications CalFresh Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applications and more 24

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success The center also offers case management by a licensed clinical social worker for students needing a wide spectrum of specialized support In the communal kitchen students can prepare food pantry items or meals brought from home The center also has room for wellness activities training events and community development Other institutions are finding unique ways and forging local partnerships to ensure their student body is well fed For instance Compton College in Los Angeles teamed up with the meal delivery service Everytable to provide free meals to students at this community college Ozarks Technical and Community College in Springfield Missouri has expanded its successful free breakfast program to all of its campuses White Mountains Community College in New Hampshire provides daily breakfast and lunch and one dinner each week to all enrolled students Connecting Students and Services Of course it s not enough to offer these services Colleges and universities need to ensure that students who need these resources know about them know how to access them and aren t prevented by embarrassment or shame from utilizing them One of the many reasons students do not take advantage of available assistance for instance going to a food pantry or applying for federal nutrition benefits is the social stigma that can accompany such aid Some organizations are using new programs to address this concern Take Benefits Hub a promising model based on a partnership that embeds trained AmeriCorps members dubbed coaches on college campuses where they connect students to services and resources to help them meet their basic needs Benefit Hubs managed by the United Way of King County operates in seven Seattle area community and technical colleges and one public university This human centered approach is based on the premise that coaches serve as trusted and reliable connectors to resources to access groceries secure housing pay utility bills obtain financial and legal advice locate transit assistance and find mental health and wellness referrals 25

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success 2 Building Belonging and Connection Many institutions are experimenting with ways to promote a culture of inclusion to help foster a sense of belonging among students Putting First Generation First First generation students often face significant financial cultural and educational barriers to accessing college They represent a diverse cross section of the country At the University of Wisconsin at Madison for instance where around one in five undergraduates is a first generation student most are White and from small towns and farms The assumption that all first generation students come from underserved communities is not necessarily the case Some come from well resourced families who made their living without degrees but who are still newcomers to college culture Different strategies to help students adjust and excel include programs such as the University of Cincinnati s Gen 1 residential house which is exclusively for first generation students and designed with services to help students succeed academically and socially The program the first live learn community in the country to focus on first generation students launched in 2008 Many more such programs have followed Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia established its F1RST Faculty program pairing first generation students with faculty and staff mentors who themselves had been first generation students and know the challenges first hand Changing Mindsets Improving Grades Born out of groundbreaking research from Stanford University which showed low cost low time interventions that targeted students beliefs could influence their academic trajectory the nonprofit PERTS Project for Education Research That Scales works with educators to integrate evidence based practices to help advance social equity The novel approach is proving powerful in combating self doubt and imposter syndrome in college students The interventions deliver persuasive yet stealthy psychological messages to neutralize crippling anxieties and fears Students who participate in the exercises post better grades have lower dropout rates and in some cases better health and well being for up to three years than students who did not The Student Experience Project operating under the PERTS umbrella includes six public urban colleges testing these mindset interventions on campuses beginning with STEM students Participating universities include Portland State University Colorado State University University of Colorado at Denver University of New Mexico University of Toledo and University of North Carolina at Charlotte 26

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success Building Resilience Stanford University is also a self acknowledged epicenter of Duck Syndrome in which students at the prestigious private institution appear to each other to be gliding effortlessly but are in fact paddling furiously beneath the surface To counter this syndrome the university implemented the Resilience Project which aims to instill a sense of belonging and bravery through storytelling about failure and struggle Failing Well at Smith College in Massachusetts has a similar goal and even works with students to create a failure resume describing setbacks they have faced Penn Faces at the University of Pennsylvania shares stories from students who practiced the art of appearing happy even when struggling Sharing honest accounts of what social psychologists call belonging uncertainty even if they make students feel vulnerable or uncomfortable can help to mitigate feelings of isolation These sorts of initiatives are part of a national trend toward programming that helps students forge social connections through sharing uncomfortable experiences rather than students avoiding discomfort through social segregation Taking Pride in the LGBTQIA Community on Campus LGBTQIA students want the same and different opportunities to connect as their peers New York University s LGBTQ Center runs innovative programming such as Queering Faith Lavender Graduation and Trans Awareness Week Programming on campuses goes beyond one off celebrations such as Pride or National Coming Out Day UCLA s LGBTQ Campus Resource Center offers a range of services including outreach and education advocacy student counseling and an ally network Cornell University offers residential housing for LGBTQIA students and their allies and is home to several LGBTQIA organizations for lesbian gay bisexual transgender transitioning queer questioning intersex asexual nonbinary and more students 27

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success Student Parents Want to Belong at College Generation Hope a Washington D C based nonprofit recognizes the additional support that students with children need Its Scholar Program designed to help young teen parents in the area fulfill their college dreams offers tuition support family mentoring access to mental emotional and wellness support and counseling access to emergency funding during times of crisis and child care support The program gets results 1 in 5 undergraduate college students is a parent but they are 10 times less likely to graduate than college students who don t have a child And fewer than 2 of teen mothers who have a baby before age 18 earn a college degree before age 30 That said sixty two percent of Generation Hope s Scholar Program recipients receive a college degree within six years which exceeds the national average for all college students 3 Accessing Resources and Academic Support These nonprofit organizations and Crimsonbridge partners based in the greater Washington D C area serve as examples of how such groups can impact students of limited economic means by connecting them to key resources and people Building Relationships Creating Networks Opening Doors Relationships build networks and networks open doors That s the guiding philosophy behind Capital Partners for Education whose goal is to equip first generation students with the experiences and community of support they need to help them get to and through college and achieve upward economic mobility The program is designed to help students gain the tools they need to tackle any barriers to obtaining a college degree through a structured continuum of one on one mentoring academic support scholarship opportunities and career preparation services The program does more than help students attend and graduate from college It strives to prepare students for the workforce so that they can blossom in sustainable careers and gain economic mobility Developing and continuing relationships is at the core of its work and it s what fuels the impact the program has in the lives of its students 28

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success Model Corporate Work Study Program in Catholic Schools Preps for College Life The Cristo Rey Network consists of 38 high schools across 17 states and delivers a career focused college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with financial obstacles The network uniquely integrates rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college Cristo Rey partners with educators including 68 universities businesses and communities to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for life beyond school Ninety percent of Cristo Rey graduates 98 of whom are students of color currently enroll in college a rate 1 4 times greater than low income high school graduates 61 and more than high school graduates from high income families 86 Cristo Rey graduates are three times more likely to complete a bachelor s degree by age 24 compared to students who come from economically vulnerable backgrounds Staying on Track with the Help of a College Coach CollegeTracks mission is to empower first generation college students and students from low income and immigrant households in Montgomery County Maryland by helping them bridge systemic opportunity gaps with enough support to get into and through higher education The organization s College Success Program pairs college students with a success coach who helps them develop an academic and career plan enroll persist and complete their degree These college coaches help students manage the academic financial personal and social challenges all students face along with helping to secure ongoing financial aid so they can flourish Less is More in Non Traditional Pathways New Futures has a novel approach to fighting inequity it believes in the long term benefits of short term credentials associate degrees or vocational certifications as a potential launching pad toward rewarding fulfilling careers It is one of the few college success organizations supporting underserved young people on this so called non traditional path New Futures invests in community college students through a combination of scholarships academic and career advising and access to transformative professional networks as a conduit to help jumpstart careers in in demand fields such as healthcare and technology that can lead to financial security and supports youth on a path to well paying professionally satisfying jobs 29

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success New Futures offers guidance on teamwork time management and communications networking opportunities to prepare students for industry careers and advising to help them stay on track through twoyear college programs Making Student Wellness a Priority As with other programs Collegiate Directions is committed to closing the education achievement and opportunity gap for low income primarily first generation to college students The organization provides comprehensive college counseling targeted tutoring test preparation study skills leadership training and ongoing support starting in 10th grade and continuing through successful college graduation It also offers scholars career coaching and access to workforce opportunities through experiential learning and connects students with accomplished professionals in their chosen fields One area where Collegiate Directions serves as a model how responsive and strategic the nonprofit is in supporting college students wellness and how it views wellness as a function of students ability to persist and graduate All their scholars are required to meet with a trained social worker four times 80 of their scholars continue to meet with their wellness counselor beyond the mandated sessions The group s wellness program includes a partnership with local social work interns as staff support and includes a wellness program strategy that understands the importance of family engagement and works to normalize mental health wellness support and access to related resources as a crucial component to students academic success package in college 30

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success 4 Navigating Degree and Career Pathways A Path to Completion In many community colleges students are left on their own to navigate a complex and confusing array of academic programs and support services Many students can t see a clear path to their goals become frustrated and drift away A growing number of colleges and universities are redesigning academic programs and support services to create more clearly structured and educationally coherent pathways Colleges give it different names although it often goes by guided pathways The underlying idea is to give students firm guidance in choosing courses along with clear course sequences that lead to on track graduation Colleges also monitor students progress closely and intervene when they go off track The national guided pathways movement represents a relatively new strategy for transforming the student experience and improving college graduation rates Guided pathways are a comprehensive and systemic redesign of the student experience from the student s initial connection to the college all the way to completion and graduation Community colleges in particular have been adopting this program to help students choose a program of study and create a plan to either transfer to a four year college or find meaningful sustainable work with a two year degree Hundreds of community colleges have committed to using a guided pathways approach according to the Community College Research Center at Teachers College Columbia University Research conducted by CCRC shows that the practices used in guided pathways programs can lead to better outcomes for students Students who enter a specific program earlier on in their time at a community college are more like to transfer to a four year college or complete a degree Case in point Florida State University in Tallahassee which has its own College Success Program and was recently honored for its efforts Utilizing academic program maps increased retention and decreased the number of excess credits students took there CUNY s ASAP is another model program City University of New York s Guttman Community College which opened in 2012 has used guided pathways from the start Although Guttman draws from among CUNY s less prepared students its three year graduation rate is 44 percent nearly triple the rate of similar colleges nationwide according to the New York Times The guided pathways strategy including meta majors has helped other schools including Georgia State University the entire Tennessee system several Ohio community colleges and the University of Hawaii dramatically increase retention and graduation rates In states such as California the guided pathway concept has been enacted into law with a goal towards improving timely graduation rates several California community colleges have made substantial progress towards that end 31

Solutions Addressing Challenges to College Success Demystifying Degree Pathways Complete College America a national non profit organization provides technical assistance to many colleges to improve completion through pathway centered initiatives in many instances redesigning what a college pathway looks like Another catalyst for this reform is Curricular Analytics an open source software tool designed by innovators at the University of New Mexico that helped triple the university s four year graduation rate The software allows faculty members to develop maps that visualize the path to a degree within their department and provides a complexity score The higher the score the harder it is for students to graduate Professors can see for example how a student s inability to enroll in or to pass one required course can block the path to potentially a dozen or more courses These curricular maps can identify other potential delays to a degree or courses that seem tacked on and lead nowhere Professors can use the tool to create alternative pathways to see what effect it might have on retention and graduation rates In 2019 several universities began utilizing Curricular Analytics including the University of South Florida Colorado State Utah State and New Mexico State universities Technology startups also offer services to help colleges design degree pathways These for profit guided solutions can be useful tools though challenges can occur in integrating with existing campus data systems training and technical assistance Turning Degrees Upside Down Certificates First General Education Second Most degree programs begin with a series of general education courses Although they provide a foundation for critical thinking and future learning these courses which can range from algebra to English composition can also tend to feel less relevant to first generation and under resourced students who want an education to equate to increased earnings The learning gained from general education is not immediately valuable in the labor market and can be lost if a student leaves college early Helping students earn certificates upfront may provide a promising path to address the college incompletion challenge Postsecondary institutions offer this kind of flipped credentials to students in a variety of subjects from auto mechanics to interior design Turning degrees upside down has the potential to do two jobs provide students with marketable skills sooner rather than later and with a credential that will be relevant to employers while also ensuring they stay the course and graduate with a degree Career Technical Education programs in states such as Texas Florida and California offer this inverted model to students who seek relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging professions including cybersecurity nursing and hospitality 32

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DONORS

Philanthropy in Action RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DONORS Philanthropy that is intentional strategic and centered on student success can and will help close the college graduation gap Gabriela Smith Executive Chair and Founder the Crimsonbridge Foundation Philanthropists whether individuals donating to an alma mater a family foundation giving to a communitybased organization or donors recommending a gift through donor advised funds understand the value of investing in the next generation of college students This guide has highlighted the immediate need and opportunity for investment in four areas that directly support college students success and improve graduation rates We believe that interventions in any of these areas will support all of these areas and contribute to college completion When a strategic philanthropic investment is focused on college success it makes sure that funds are not simply used to cover college tuition and fees but instead to support students as they navigate milestones in college Federal government efforts to support college success are happening but not at a pace that meets the needs of today s students or at levels that support the true cost of going to college Absent a national policy to substantially address the real cost of attending college nonprofits colleges and philanthropic entities are stepping up to help fill the void in the college success equation 34

Philanthropy in Action BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION HOW CAN YOU START MAKING A DIFFERENCE There are different ways to give programs to support strategies and entry points all needed and impactful for every kind of donor and at any amount Today philanthropy has an historic opportunity to support college success to help students not only to access but also to complete college which will directly benefit the social and economic future of our nation Whether you are using a donor advised fund making a foundation grant giving a direct personal charitable gift or advising a client on their philanthropic strategy all giving is important and how you do it might make the difference between the success or failure of your philanthropic investment which measures success in terms of social benefit achieved as a direct or leveraged result of your philanthropic funding In other words are students accessing college through your scholarship funding graduating Chances are that if your funding seeks to help low income and first generation college students achieve their college dreams 6 out of 10 of those students are not completing college We understand the reasons and the solutions to help bridge this gap between access and completion This problem has been identified in part because access has expanded significantly and it is time for philanthropy to finish this job and help bridge the college access to completion gap once and for all College success doesn t have to become your life mission or the focus or your philanthropy You should be able to spend as much or as little time as you are able and still make a tremendous difference We know the extend of your engagement will depend on multiple factors including your giving vehicles access to advisory staff personal preferences professional experiences and values you seek to cultivate We believe that philanthropy that is well informed and strategic is more effective compassionate and successful at achieving intended results We prepared this guide to share information best practices and provide recommendations based on our extensive combined and first hand experience as foundation leaders and founders donor advised fund contributors business entrepreneurs university board members venture philanthropists recipients and providers of scholarships nonprofit associates college administrators first generation college graduates and advisors Informed by our extensive experience in advancing college success we offer the following recommendations as strategies to guide your philanthropy and maximize the impact of your support 35

Philanthropy in Action WHERE TO BEGIN IT BEGINS WITH YOU Whether you are a seasoned philanthropist a new funder a traditional philanthropist a philanthropic advisor foundation professional donor or college graduate seeking to help their alma matter you should know Your giving is a philanthropic investment which measures success in terms of social benefit achieved as a direct or leveraged result of your philanthropic funding You don t need to be an expert to be impactful or make it your life mission You can find the right advisors to help you make a difference You can spend as much or as little time as you are able You can be very involved work with your family or have minimal engagement Either way you can make sure the right questions are asked due diligence takes place and meaningful outcomes are measured You can make a difference regardless of the amount you give Your scholarship funding is helping first generation and students from low income households access college but are those students successfully graduating You need to find out if your philanthropy is succeeding or if there are interventions needed to make sure it does WORK FROM YOUR BASELINE As a donor you will have your style profile and different levels of expertise in a variety of fields You might be an expert in certain areas and need advice on others Simply establish your baseline for your scholarship college completion giving 36

Philanthropy in Action ACCESS ADVISORY RESOURCES AND WORK WITH THE PHILANTHROPIC VEHICLE THAT SUITS YOU The vehicle you use for your giving will determine the process of how you do it such as simply writing a check preparing a grant agreement and recommending a grant from a donor advised fund remember you can never pledge from a donor advised fund you can only recommend for approval The type of vehicle will also shape how much advice and assistance you can get in the giving process for example your foundation staff can research for you or you might need to connect with development offices directly 37

Philanthropy in Action RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DONORS BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION 1 ASSESS Based on your donor profile and baseline tap into your philanthropy advisory resources to help you assess how to support college completion efforts Whether it s your foundation staff financial advisor donoradvised fund donor services partners or grantees development offices they should be able to advise you or guide you in the right direction You can keep it simple by connecting directly or partnering with experts in the field 2 INQUIRE Respectfully inquire about graduation rate and college success programs and find out about efforts by the university and other organizations to increase graduation rates What are the chances that students receiving your scholarship funding will graduate How can your philanthropy help increase graduation rates Questions to ask before giving The questions below will illuminate opportunities and demonstrate that you want your philanthropy to leverage ongoing efforts improving the path to graduation and the success of students Are the currently funded scholarships resulting in students earning degrees What are the graduation rates for first generation students and students with financial need How do enrollment rates for these students compare to their graduation rates Where is the greatest need for funding to support college student success How are they addressing the basic needs of students and where are there gaps Are there programs in place to support first generation and low income students What specific programs connect students to a supportive network What resources and academic support are making a difference to college graduation What does success look like for this college university or nonprofit program What is their strategy plan and timeframe to increase graduation rates Are there efforts underway to create or expand support services for scholarship students Who are their college community based nonprofit partners How are they partnering 38

Philanthropy in Action 3 GO BEYOND SCHOLARSHIPS Provide additional funding to go beyond tuition assistance to support basic needs and emergency aid funds Donors already engaged in higher education understand that scholarships can be a necessary starting point to help more students get to college To achieve greater returns from philanthropic interventions and make inroads towards needed systemic change align scholarship giving with complementary efforts Designate a percentage of your scholarship funding for basic needs or emergency aid Prioritize and specify your funds towards efforts that help college students thrive and complete degrees Donor advised recommendation forms charitable appeals and online giving platforms offer donors ways to specify how their funds will be used Be sure to designate your support towards firstgeneration college student success programs Specify in writing the grant is dedicated to programs supporting first generation and scholarship students to complete college On donor advised fund recommendation forms this can be done under other programs Fund Infrastructure Be part of increasing the investment and creation of new services facilities technology and programs helping campuses meet basic needs support and celebrate first generation student success Help fund or collaborate on efforts to finance a student basic needs center Support the expansion and accessibility of technology that helps students thrive Contribute to or create a first generation initiative at a college campus Explore funding to help mentoring and special programs designed to create community and foster a sense of belonging 39

Philanthropy in Action 4 DIVERSIFY YOUR PHILANTHROPY PORTFOLIO Consider diversifying your philanthropy portfolio to support different types of nonprofit organizations addressing the graduation gap from different angles to include key players in helping more students earn a degree Community colleges present true value and forty one percent of U S undergraduates attend a community college but only 1 5 percent of dollars raised in higher education go to two year institutions Nonprofits present donors with opportunities to invest and engage Consider investing in the innovative program of a local or national college success nonprofit New research and data is vital to inform promising practices and positive change Invest in a project at an institution you already support a national nonprofit or think tank Support innovative local and national nonprofits Consider programming on and off campus A growing number of highly effective nonprofit organizations are working with students beginning in high school and supporting them through college and beyond Support local nonprofit organizations helping students in your community realize their dreams of a college degree Support national nonprofits that are leading initiatives for specific demographics of students i e parenting students first generation college students and other students underrepresented in college graduation rates to address college student success in your community Seek the advice of community foundations philanthropic advisors and informed donor advised fund managers to identify nonprofits engaged in college success work 5 WHERE TO GIVE EVERY QUALIFIED OPPORTUNITY CONSTITUTES AN ENTRY POINT FOR YOUR PHILANTHROPY You can focus on the colleges you already support by asking about graduation rates and helping develop or fund programs to support college success Help nonprofit organizations addressing the challenges faced by first generation college students You can help high school based efforts local and national efforts innovative online initiatives and a whole range of programs seeking to address the 4 main obstacles to college success 40

Philanthropy in Action Opportunities to support college student success exist beyond higher education institutions Nonprofits local regional and national with to and through college success programs Colleges and Universities with student success services and programs Professional Associations and Research Organizations focused on college success Community and Operating Foundations with college success initiatives High schools supporting the success of their graduates in college National networks such as the Cristo Rey Network and KIPP are developing thorough high school based online alumni resources dedicated to college completion to follow mentor and guide their alumni especially when the colleges they attend don t have resources in place Fund local and national organizations advocating for and providing needed services All gifts make a difference Whether a small donation a grant recommendation to a donor advised fund a large foundation gift or a multimillion dollar investment support at all levels can make a meaningful difference For examples of excellent organizations working to address the challenges to college completion please go to page 22 Do not be overwhelmed by the choices start with your baseline and philanthropic advisory group Assess and inquire so you can make sure your funds support student success Go beyond scholarships in the colleges you support Expand and diversify your philanthropic portfolio so you can address the problem from different angles and support key stakeholders Reach out and partner with experts in the field You can make it very simple and very impactful at the same time For additional information guidance and thorough advice you can contact the Crimsonbridge Foundation at collegesuccess crimsonbridge org 41

RESOURCES

Resources Research Studies Reports 1 Bailey Thomas Jaggars Shanna Smith Jenkins Davis What We Know about Guided Pathways Helping Students to Complete Programs Faster Research Overview Community College Research Center March 2015 2 Cahalan Margaret W Perna Laura W Addison Marish Murray Chelsea Patel Pooja R and Jiang Nathan Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States 2020 Historical Trend Report The Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education Council for Opportunity in Education Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy of the University of Pennsylvania 3 Center for First generation Student Success Fact Sheets NASPA 2021 4 Coggins Celine and Lawrence Steven The Big Vision for the Next Stage of Education Philanthropy Grantmakers for Education December 2020 5 Funding Education Approaches and Considerations for Supporting 6 Hunger and COVID 19 Food Insecurity Amongst US College Students in 2020 Chegg org December 2020 7 Parents on Campus Challenges for Students and Faculty Chegg org November 2021 8 Race Social Justice on Campus and Beyond Chegg org September 2020 9 Dissatisfied Determined and Ready to be Heard The Voices of Today s American Students Chegg org September 2019 10 Fleurimond Betty George Tracy Noone Dave Smith Erin Tutak Jen College Students Mental Health and Well being Deloitte Insights August 6 2021 11 Food and Housing Security at the University of California Global Food Initiative December 2017 12 Glynn Jennifer Persistence The Success of Two Year Students Who Transfer to Selective Four Year Institutions Jack Kent Cooke Foundation January 2019 13 Gopalan Maithreyi and Brady Sharon T College Students Sense of Belonging National Perspective Educational Researcher December 24 2019 14 Horowitz Juliana Menasce Igielnik Ruth Kochhar Rakesh Trends in Income and Wealth Inequality Pew Research Center January 9 2020 15 Jenkins Davis and Fink John Tracking Transfer Community College Research Center January 2016 16 Kevelson Marisoll J C Marconi Gabriele Millett Catherine M and Zhelyazkova Nevena College Educated Yet Disconnected Exploring Disconnectinon From Education and Employment in OECD Countries With a Comparative Focus on the U S ETS Research Report Series September 9 2020 17 Long Bridget Terry The College Completion Landscape Trends Challenges Why It Matters The Third Way May 25 2018 43

Resources 18 Mann Levesque Elizabeth Improving Community College Completion Rates by Addressing Structural and Motivational Barriers Brookings Institution October 8 2018 19 Education at a Glance Putting U S Data in a Global Context National Center for Education Statistics September 10 2019 20 Indicator 23 Postsecondary Graduation Rates National Center for Education Statistics February 2019 21 Completing College National and State Reports National Student Clearinghouse Research Center December 3 2020 22 Paunesku David Walton Gregory A Romero Carissa Smith Eric N Yeager David S Dweck Carol S Mindset Interventions Are a Scalable Treatment for Academic Underachievement Psychological Science April 10 2015 23 Belonging in College Student Voices Video Student Experience Project PERTS 24 Food Insecurity U S Government Accountability Office December 2018 25 Winship Scott Pulliam Christopher Richard Ariel Shiro Gelrod Richard V Reeves Richard V and Deambrosi Santiago Long Shadows The Black white Gap in Multigenerational Poverty Brookings Institution June 10 2021 Breakout Statistics 1 State of the Student Reports Chegg org 2019 2021 2 RealCollege 2020 Five Years of Evidence on Campus Basic Needs Insecurity The Hope Center for College Community and Justice February 2020 March 2021 3 Center for First generation Students NASPA Fact Sheets 2019 4 Community College Survey of Student Engagement 2020 5 College Educated Yet Disconnected ETS Research Report Series September 9 2020 6 American College Health Association national survey 2018 7 National Student Clearinghouse 44

Resources Media 1 Bennett Jessica On Campus Failure is on the Syllabus New York Times June 24 2017 2 Bruni Frank Opinion How to Get the Most Out of College New York Times August 17 2018 3 Carrns Ann Will That College Degree Pay Off New York Times August 13 2021 4 Deng Jireh Opinion Expanding College Access in California Means Prioritizing its Most Vulnerable Students Los Angeles Times June 25 2021 5 Dynarski Susan For the Poor the Graduation Gap is Even Wider Than the Enrollment Gap New York Times June 2 2015 6 Golden Hallie Woman Who Lived to 105 Left Nearly 10 Million to Community Colleges The Guardian December 27 2019 7 Gross Terry Former Pregnant Girl Builds Support to Help Other Teen Moms Fresh Air NPR May 3 2021 8 Hall L S Here s What it Really Takes to Boost College Completion Rates Inside Philanthropy November 20 2017 9 Johnson Elin Students Sense of Belonging Varies by Institution Identity Inside Higher Ed January 2 2020 10 King John B Jr Taking on the Challenge of College Completion New York Times June 22 2016 11 Kirp David When Your College Has Your Back New York Times March 2 2018 12 Kirp David L Conquering the Freshman Fear of Failure New York Times August 20 2016 13 Leonhardt David and Chinoy Sahil The College Dropout Crisis New York Times May 23 2019 14 Leonhardt David The Growing College Graduation Gap New York Times March 25 2018 15 Longley Liz Many College Students are Hungry and Even Homeless Who s Paying Attention Inside Philanthropy December 11 2019 16 Marano Estroff Hara Crisis U Psychology Today September 1 2015 17 McMurtrie Beth Is Your Degree Program Too Complicated Chronicle of Higher Education July 28 2021 18 Pfeffer Merrill Jacqueline Want to Help First gen Students Think Beyond Scholarships Philanthropy Today July 17 2019 19 Lomax Michael How to Launch the Next Great Era of Black Prosperity The Atlantic February 21 2021 20 Nguyen Jennifer Now is the Time for Philanthropy to Invest in Promoting College Success EdSource August 23 2020 21 Scutari Mike On Funders Surging Support for Mental Healthcare and How Universities Can Tap In Inside Philanthropy June 7 2021 45

Resources 22 Scutari Mike How the ECMC Foundation Helps Underserved College Students Thrive Inside Philanthropy September 16 2021 23 Scutari Mike How Giving to Historically Black Colleges and Universities Finally Went Mainstream Inside Philanthropy March 24 2021 24 Scutari Mike Natural Allies Why Equity minded Funders Are Giving More to Community Colleges Inside Philanthropy January 28 2020 25 Scutari Mike Community Colleges Offer an Upward Path to Needy Students Will More Donors Pay Attention Inside Philanthropy January 28 2019 26 Shellenbarger Sue New Ways to Fight Imposter Fears Wall Street Journal November 19 2013 27 Standlee Alecea Supporting First Generation Students Inside Higher Education April 11 2019 28 Supiano Beckie How Colleges Can Cultivate Students Sense of Belonging Chronicle of Higher Education April 14 2018 29 Tough Paul Who Gets to Graduate New York Times Magazine May 15 2014 30 Whitford Emma Maximizing Success for First Generation Students Inside Higher Ed October 4 2018 31 Williams Mary Elizabeth Pregnant Girl Nicole Lynn Lewis Young Mothers Need a Village of Support Salon June 1 2021 32 Young Melissa Scholes The Cost of Being First The Atlantic October 16 2016 46

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