Coalition For a College-Going Culture
College-Going Culture refers to the environment, attitudes, and practices in schools and communities that encourage students and families to obtain the information, tools, and perspective to enhance access to and success in post-secondary education.
As early as elementary school, students begin to learn about options for their futures and the education required for certain careers, with a specific focus starting in middle school. Schools convey the expectation that all students can prepare for the opportunity to attend and be successful in post-secondary education. Schools, families, and communities all reinforce the same message of high expectations for a student’s future.
Source – Center for Educational Partnerships, University of California, Berkeley
A college-going culture builds the expectation of postsecondary education for all students – not just the best students. It inspires the best in every student, and it supports students in achieving their goals. If there is any doubt about the benefits of a college-going culture, the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 National Employment Projections study demonstrates the importance of college education. Nationally:
If those statistics don’t catch your students’ eyes, these will:
The same study show 1.6 percent of people with a Ph.D., 2.1 percent of people with a master’s degree, 2.2 percent of people with a bachelor’s degree, and 2.8 percent of people with an associate degree are unemployed. Those with just a high school education have a 4.1 percent rate of unemployment, and those without a high school diploma have a 5.6 percent rate of unemployment. Getting a college education cuts one’s chances of being unemployed roughly in half.
Sources – The College Board and United States Dept. of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Believing the College Dream
A curriculum guide for increasing expectations of attending college by prospective low-income, first-generation college students in grades 4-8.
CGC Baseline Expectations
A checklist of activities that support attending college.
CGC Visual Audit
A checklist of options for visual aids that support attending college.
Create Your Own Future Poster
A visual graphic supporting college attendance with emphasis on a-g completion.
Education is Key Poster
A visual graphic supporting college attendance.
FAFSA Support Planning Calendar
This printable calendar offers at-a-glance reminders of important milestones for supporting your students’ FAFSA completion.
Realizing the College Dream
Similar to Believing the College Dream (above), geared for middle school, high school and community college students and adult learners, as well as parents and family members.
Unlikely Discussion Guide
A guide for educators and community members to stimulate discussion following viewing of the documentary “Unlikely” (https://www.unlikelyfilm.com/ ), regarding increasing post-secondary enrollment and completion for students.
FAFSA Resource Library
NCAN’s FAFSA Resource Library contains effective practices and key resources for cities, communities, and school districts looking to create or strengthen a FAFSA completion initiative.
Cheap, Easy and Brief College-Going Activities
A quick, inspirational and thought-provoking activity and discussion guide to encourage college interest and attendance.
Educational Journey
A discussion guide for students and parents/guardians to explore educational direction.
Viaje Educativo
A Spanish-language discussion guide for students and parents/guardians to explore educational direction.
Realizing the College Dream
A curriculum guide that supports teachers, counselors and community-based organization staffs in their work to increase the expectations of attending college by low-income, first-generation college-going students and their families. Geared for middle school, high school and community college students and adult learners, as well as parents and family members.
Unlikely Discussion Guide
A guide for educators and community members to stimulate discussion following viewing of the documentary “Unlikely” (https://www.unlikelyfilm.com/ ), regarding increasing post-secondary enrollment and completion for students.
FAFSA Resource Library
NCAN’s FAFSA Resource Library contains effective practices and key resources for cities, communities, and school districts looking to create or strengthen a FAFSA completion initiative.
First U Haf-ta FAFSA
Filling out the Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is one of the most important steps students and their families can take to pay for college. In recent years, some states have even made completing the FAFSA a high school graduation requirement.
