2013 National Policy Summit on Redefining Access for the 21st Century Student

With the recent—and much needed—attention to improving college completion, it is tempting to believe that college access is no longer as pressing a problem for today’s students. Yet, there are high school graduates on community college waiting lists, displaced workers with no local programs to meet their reskilling needs, and working parents unable to balance family needs with their desire for a degree. These are snapshots that represent just some of the 21^st century students struggling to enter the nation’s postsecondary institutions.  Celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2013 and reflecting on its mission, the Institute for Higher Education Policym (IHEP) recognized the need to address these experiences which represent a growing number of people for whom the college dream is still out of reach.

In December 2013, IHEP convened a select group of key higher education thought leaders from around the nation to participate in the National Summit on Redefining Access for the 21^st Century Student.

Participants took part in facilitated discussions to refocus and redefine what college access means for today’s students. IHEP premiered a documentary film that highlights five students who have faced and are working to overcome barriers to accessing higher education. In addition, IHEP recognized institutions and individuals that have made significant advancements to the college access and success agenda through our Champions of Access and Success Awards.

Drawing on participation in this event, IHEP will develop a new access agenda, to be released in 2014, that can be embraced by the field’s institutional leaders, policymakers, funders, and others committed to students.

Special Remarks:

• Art Coleman, Chairman, IHEP Board of Directors and Managing Partner, EducationCounsel, LLC
• Sue McMillin, President and Chief Executive Officer, TG
• Martha Kanter, Under Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education

Panelists:

• Charlie Nelms, Founder, Destination Graduation Initiative
• Jacob Fraire, Vice President, Student and InstitutionalSuccess, TG
• Andrea Fitch, Recent Graduate, Colorado State University
• Sharon Flores, Student, King’s College
• Jenell Holder, Student, University of Maryland University College
• Traval Mensah, Student, Northern Virginia Community College
• Donald Richards, Student, South Dakota State University

Facilitators:

• Michael Dakduk, Former Executive Director, Student Veterans of America
• David Hawkins, Director of Public Policy and Research, National Association for College Admission Counseling
• Jennifer Mishory, Deputy Director, Young Invincibles
• Michele Siqueiros, Executive Director,The Campaign for College Opportunity

The National Policy Summit is a signature IHEP event that brings together critical stakeholders—policymakers, institutional decision makers, business leaders, and other influential individuals whose reach extends across and beyond the postsecondary community—to foster policy and practice solutions in support of increased access and success.

Contact convenings@ihep.org for more information about this event and other IHEP convenings.