How Philanthropy Can Help Expand Access to Higher Education
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OVERVIEW
A strong system of postsecondary education is Vermont’s tradition and gift to students and communities across the country. Today, we have the opportunity to ensure this gift keeps giving for generations to come. Foundations and philanthropists in particular are positioned to do what others cannot: identify needs, take reasoned risks, pilot innovations, and provide timely infusions of capital. When we’re asked what donors in Vermont can do, the options within this section—along with other Promising Approaches highlighted in this report—are among those we suggest and support through our Access to Higher Education fund. By building on proven programs and working together, we can shape a postsecondary paradigm of success for Vermont students and, ultimately, Vermont.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHILANTHROPY
- Donate to the Access to Higher Education Fund
- Boost readiness through dual enrollment
- Harness vocational-technical resources
- Build college aspirations and confidence in Vermont’s poorest schools
- Support bricks and mortar to improve affordability
- Invest in students facing the biggest obstacles
Donate to the Access to Higher Education Fund
The Access to Higher Education Fund serves as a focal point for philanthropists interested in removing barriers to higher education. This fund looks to impact the barriers that prevent Vermonters from aspiring to and attaining the advanced education they need to stay in Vermont; achieve their personal goals; and help our state prosper.
Please click the button below to donate to this fund on our secure PayPal page with your credit card OR PayPal account. Please keep the donation confirmation for tax purposes.
Boost Readiness Through Dual Enrollment
Philanthropy can help improve student readiness and increase college affordability by investing in dual enrollment programs. These programs improve college access and success by exposing high school students to college-level courses—helping to build their confidence and identifying remedial needs while they are still in high school, ultimately reducing their college costs.
Several successful programs in Vermont demonstrate the positive impact of high school students participating in dual enrollment. The Community College of Vermont offers the Introduction to College Studies program and Linking Learning to Life has the College Connections program, both of which have grown significantly over the past few years. However, both programs—and others like them—are hampered by a lack of funding to transport students to and from classes, to promote the programs to high schools, and to build relationships between participating high schools and colleges.
Harness Vocational-Technical Resources
Vocational-technical programs can inspire college readiness and provide an outstanding resource for Vermont’s high school students, especially those who are interested in health care, technology, automotive, and design fields, among many others. Often, vocational-technical courses are taken in high school and count toward certification or degree attainment for some of the fastest growing jobs in the state—reducing college costs and time to employment. The courses provide cost-effective opportunities for many Vermont students and offer a level of workforce readiness not found in many other high school programs. Vermont has several nationally recognized programs among its regional vocational-technical centers.
Philanthropy can support students as they pursue vocational-technical education by helping fund conferences to address issues such as the need for statewide efficiencies, curriculum alignment with certification requirements and workforce demands, and advocacy for policy and funding that favor these regional programs.
Build College Aspirations and Confidence in Vermont’s Poorest Schools
Philanthropy can support programs with successful track records in creating achievement-oriented cultures in schools. College for Every Student partners with elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as nearby colleges to help underserved students prepare for college. In the 2007-2008 academic year, College for Every Student worked with 120 schools in 18 states, including one school in Vermont—Castleton Elementary, and its college partner, Castleton State College.
With support through College for Every Student, schools work to create a culture of achievement and aspiration. Not only does this serve to empower students who are statistically less likely to achieve their dreams, it seeks to help the economy and local communities by creating a larger pool of employable and engaged citizens. College attendance rates for participating College for Every Student seniors is 96%—a rate achieved in dozens of schools each year.
Support Bricks and Mortar to Improve Affordability
Growing pains at postsecondary institutions can impact student access. For example, Vermont Technical College anticipates turning away qualified students over the next few years as current facilities reach capacity. The cost of leasing or building to accommodate growth often is transferred to students through increases in tuition and fees. State support for these efforts has not lessened the burden.
Philanthropy that supports capital efforts at Vermont Technical College and other schools can translate into cost savings for students and their families.
Invest in Students Facing the Biggest Obstacles
Several colleges and nonprofit organizations have developed programs to support students in populations needing extra help in facing hurdles to college aspiration and success. These include students from foster and low-income families, as well as those who are the first in their family to pursue postsecondary education. The College of St. Joseph has teamed with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and the Vermont Department for Children and Families to launch a program—the first of its kind in the state—that identifies promising high school students in the foster care system and supports them through college with enhanced programming and aid.
Southern Vermont College, Champlain College, and the University of Vermont, among others, have developed financial aid programs designed to increase access for these targeted populations.