On December 11, 2024, Brookings Senior Fellow Sarah Reber presented her report titled "Supporting Students to and Through College: What Does the Evidence Say?" at the Brookings Institution. This report highlights significant disparities in college access and completion rates, particularly influenced by socioeconomic status. Reber categorizes various interventions into three main types: advisors and navigators, comprehensive programs, and low-touch interventions, with her findings indicating that comprehensive programs are the most effective in supporting students [776ce4d4].
The report underscores the importance of sustainable practices and the availability of high-quality, affordable options for students. It also points to the complexities surrounding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) processes, which can deter students from seeking financial aid. The need for further research on how students utilize support services and the long-term outcomes of these interventions is emphasized [776ce4d4].
During the presentation, a panel featuring experts such as Ben Castleman, Michelle Dimino, and Shun Robertson discussed the implementation of these programs, the federal role in supporting educational initiatives, and the critical importance of personal relationships in student support systems [776ce4d4].
In conjunction with Reber's findings, a recent report from the Brookings Institution also highlights the effectiveness of programs like the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), which demonstrate strong positive effects on student outcomes despite their complexity and cost [f087f7fe]. Traditional advising methods yield only modest benefits, while low-touch interventions can improve enrollment rates at a lower cost. The report calls for systemic changes in education policy to enhance support for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds [f087f7fe].
The Biden administration's recent initiatives to increase funding for Hispanic-serving institutions reflect a growing recognition of the need for equitable access to education. As the Hispanic population in the U.S. continues to grow, the urgency for effective support systems becomes increasingly clear [b0003d24]. The combination of targeted interventions and comprehensive support is essential to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in higher education [b0003d24].