Broken Promises in a Broken System: A Call to Action in Higher Ed

At-promise students, often labeled as “at-risk,” face immense challenges in navigating higher education due to inequities embedded in the K-12 system. These students, who already contend with structural and financial barriers, often encounter additional obstacles in college. As practitioners in higher education, we must ask ourselves if we have failed them. Too often, at-promise students are misled, under-supported, and left struggling to navigate a system that was not built for them. Despite the numerous support mechanisms in place, these students lack meaningful guidance to navigate the oppressive structures of higher education.

One glaring example of unfulfilled promises is the ongoing student loan crisis. While President Joe Biden’s campaign promise of loan forgiveness offered hope, students continue to face mounting debt with limited prospects for financial relief or career fulfillment. Many students leave college without completing their degree, and those who graduate often find employment unrelated to their studies, which worsens their financial hardship.

The statistics reveal a grim reality: student loan debt is on the rise, the time to obtain a degree frequently exceeds the traditional four years, and historically marginalized communities face barriers that hinder social mobility. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, it is imperative for us in higher education to demand concrete, actionable commitments from candidates—not just promises—to improve the system. This includes bipartisan support for policies that make higher education genuinely equitable and student-centered.

1. Increase Funding for Higher Education

Higher education remains a powerful driver of social mobility, yet funding for institutions that serve at-promise students has stagnated. Lawmakers must advocate for increased funding, including expanded Pell Grants and other need-based aid programs. This support must also extend to undocumented students, who are often excluded from financial aid programs that would enable them to pursue their education. Additionally, increased state funding for public colleges and universities would help stabilize tuition costs and improve essential student services.

Funding must also be targeted at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), which provide crucial pathways for underrepresented students. These institutions have long been underfunded despite their role in fostering diversity and promoting social mobility. With enhanced financial support, HBCUs and MSIs could improve facilities, expand academic offerings, increase scholarships, and support community engagement initiatives. Prioritizing investment in these institutions can ensure they remain pillars of educational equity.

2. Support Debt Relief Initiatives

The burden of student debt remains a significant barrier to success for millions of Americans. While recent efforts toward loan forgiveness have helped some borrowers, many are still burdened with unmanageable debt. Policymakers must expand income-driven repayment plans, lower interest rates, and increase awareness of programs available to graduates. If we believe that education is a right, this belief should extend beyond K-12 to include postsecondary education.

To further alleviate the debt burden, legislators should advocate for policies that allow student loan borrowers to refinance their loans, similar to mortgage refinancing. Additionally, encouraging employer-based loan assistance programs with tax incentives would motivate more companies to offer loan repayment benefits.

3. Enhance Wraparound Services

At-promise students often face multifaceted challenges, including financial insecurity, mental health concerns, and housing instability. Comprehensive wraparound services can address these issues, enabling students to focus on their studies and succeed. Legislators should support funding for such services, which have been proven to increase retention and graduation rates. Higher education institutions should also adopt inclusive curricula and culturally responsive teaching practices that honor and reflect students’ diverse backgrounds.

Further, holding colleges accountable for equitable outcomes, not just enrollment numbers, will ensure that these institutions genuinely support at-promise students. Legislators must push for stronger accountability measures to ensure that institutions not only enroll but also graduate these students.

4. Improve Data Collection and Transparency

Effective legislation for equity in higher education depends on transparent and comprehensive data. Legislators should mandate the collection and publication of disaggregated data on student outcomes by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other demographic factors. This data is essential for identifying and addressing inequities. Additionally, securing funding for need-based aid programs, such as TRIO, GEAR UP, and Title III of the Higher Education Act, will help reduce financial barriers that disproportionately affect at-promise students.

5. Facilitate Workforce Development

Workforce development programs equip at-promise students with skills to secure well-paying jobs, breaking cycles of poverty and promoting social mobility. To bridge the gap between education and industry needs, legislators should prioritize funding for vocational training, apprenticeships, and certificate programs, creating pathways into in-demand careers. Support for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, internships, and career counseling is essential for preparing at-promise students for success.

By addressing these systemic barriers, legislators can create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Enhanced partnerships between higher education institutions and local industries can ensure these programs are relevant, practical, and equipped to meet labor market needs.

Conclusion

Addressing these pressing issues is critical to fulfilling our commitments to at-promise students and creating an equitable higher education system that truly supports their success. As educators and practitioners, we must hold ourselves accountable and call upon our elected officials to make higher education an inclusive, accessible, and transformative experience for all. Only by demanding legislative change and increased support for higher education can we break the cycle of broken promises and create a brighter future for every student.