“Building a Better Bridge: Helping Young Adults Enter and Succeed in College” Youth Development Institute, 2008.
Description: This article describes lessons learned from the first year of the College Access and Success model, a partnership between local CBOs and community colleges in New York City. The model focuses on increasing access and retention for low-skilled young adults who seek to go to college. Lessons learned also focus on effective practices developed (including academic preparation, tutoring, mentoring, and access to support services) and partnership and policy implications for key stakeholders.
“Five Strategies to Help Low-Income Adults and Youth Attain Community College Credentials” Choitz, Vickie and Marcie Foster; Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success, 2010.
Description: This strategy brief was presented to the White House Community College Summit in 2010. Topics include the use of streamlined education and training programs; seeding and scaling up innovative models like bridge programs, flexible scheduling, and program modularization; better use of data systems to monitor student progress; financial aid for low-income working adults; and increased student support services.
“Young Adults and Higher Education: Barriers and Breakthroughs to Success” Brock, Thomas; National Poverty Center Working Paper, 2010.
Description: This working paper summarizes the shift of “center of gravity” in higher education from four-year to two-year institutions and identifies three specific areas particularly in need for reform: remedial education, student support services, and financial aid. Also identifies several strategies to boost college completion rates including learning communities and performance-based scholarships.
“College Access and Success for Young Adult Learners: A Research Summary for Schools and Programs” Fund for the City of New York Youth Development Institute, 2006.
Description: This is a research summary of three broad youth development strategies for engaging and retaining young adults in postsecondary education. The strategies include engagement, capacity, and continuity.
