Building a Better Future With Student Success

Holding a bachelor’s degree can change the course of an individual’s life.  For example, postsecondary degrees can lead to improved financial security; in Kentucky, an individual with a bachelor’s degree enjoys a median earning of $52,000, as opposed to a median earning of $30,000 for an individual with a high school diploma.  Similarly, having a bachelor’s degree lessens the odds that an individual will need to participate in public assistance programs and boosts overall workforce participation. 

Not only does higher education help individuals, but it can also propel the larger community into economic success.  Kentucky is hoping to take advantage of this and has developed a goal to have 60% of its population hold a bachelor’s degree by 2030.  

Hitting Degree Goals

In order to achieve this goal, certain organizations have appeared with the goal of supporting students.  For instance, in 2021, the CPE started the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC) with the help of the James Graham Brown Foundation.  The KYSSC is a statewide initiative to support students in higher education and ensure degree completion.  After three years, the KYSSC is already seeing an impact. 

For instance, degree completions are on the rise in Kentucky.  There has been a 4.3 percentage point increase in the six-year graduation rate at public universities and a 7% overall increase in undergraduate degrees and credentials.   Completion gaps are shrinking, with a 26% increase in underrepresented minority student enrollment at public institutions. 

Despite successes, obstacles remain.  Certain groups, such as adult learners, are facing declining undergraduate enrollment, which has implications for the overall degree completion rate.  Additionally, Kentucky falls behind the United States average in bachelor’s degree attainment. 

Luckily, the KYSSC remains dedicated to Kentucky’s 2030 goal.  It has developed momentum, engaging 2,963 Kentuckians from a wide variety of sectors.  The KYSSC provides educational opportunities from state and national experts, and has developed 24 statewide recommendations that focus on improvements in three areas: supporting student basic needs, improving transfer pathways, and increasing gateway course success. 

Addressing these three areas is critical in student success.  For example, roughly 60% of students struggle with basic needs insecurity, which can lead to higher drop out rates.  Finding ways to support students with these needs can provide students with the flexibility and energy to complete their education.  When it comes to the other two areas, transfer pathways and gateway courses are currently lacking, which makes it difficult for students to reap the rewards of a solid education.  Improving these areas is an important step in reaching Kentucky’s goal. 

Conclusion

The KYSSC is an important organization in the efforts to boost Kentucky’s population of bachelor’s degree holders.  Over the next six years, Kentucky hopes to improve its economy  and workforce through student successand an emphasis on higher education.