College Access Challenge Grant Results

(MMEP © August 27, 2010)

College Access Challenge Grant Program

The purpose of the College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACGP) is to foster partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and philanthropic organizations through matching challenge grants aimed at increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

MMEP receives College Access Challenge Grant funding via the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The grant funds a portion of the work of the Minnesota College Access Network (MCAN), an MMEP initiative.

Amanda Ziebell-Finley, program director, is excited to share with the MMEP membership and community the results of our efforts to reach low income, first generation and students of color during the 2009-10 academic year.

So What Happened?

Highlights from the second grant period include:

244 professionals trained
835 students and parents trained*
24 family outreach sessions completed
11 Train the Trainer sessions completed
Regional Train the Trainer sites included Faribault, Marshall, Alexandria, St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Duluth and Bemidji

*The 835 students and parents received information about postsecondary education benefits, opportunities, planning, financial options and college preparation. In addition, 161 high school seniors received assistance in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid).

So What Changed?

Professionals who attended sessions were asked whether or not they had implemented and/or improved upon programming for college readiness and financial aid at their school, program, etc.

70 percent of session attendees said that they have implemented new activities or have improved existing programming based on the MCAN training they attended.

57.5 percent initiated or expanded the education of students and parents regarding financial aid
57.5 percent provided initial or additional information regarding college readiness
55 percent provided initial or additional opportunities for exploring college options

Professional session attendees were also asked to identify the number of students they served in the past 12 months. Of those responding, the self-reported number of students served was 23,801.

So What is Next?

Through its MCAN initiative, MMEP will continue efforts to reach low income, first generation and students of color in order to increase awareness of the benefits of postsecondary education and promote financial aid literacy. We will also continue to “shape the top” by providing policy recommendations geared towards increasing postsecondary attainment for underrepresented students, especially students of color.

Such policy recommendations will be able to be found in our College Access Matters II (CAMII) report scheduled for release fall 2010. CAM II builds on findings from the original College Access Matters report. First, we explored what types of college preparation supports were available to students in Minnesota. Secondly, we explored the types and prevalence of college preparation activities in which students in Minnesota participate. This included asking students which people in their lives were advising and guiding them to complete these activities. Report data will include findings from our study completed by 3,000+ Minnesota students.