College Forward made a bold move at the opening of the 84th Texas legislative session, introducing policymakers to the people most affected by higher education legislation: Texas students.
College Forward students and graduates descended on the Texas State Capitol on Wednesday, January 28th to meet with representatives from their home districts and share their stories of persevering through higher education. The event was part of CoFo’s “College Matters: Students Speak Up” campaign.
Education reform and higher education policy have been at the top of Texas’ legislative agenda for years. What discussions have too often lacked, however, are the voices of those whose lives are directly impacted by policy decisions. It’s time for a paradigm shift in the education debate. Policy must be informed by the voices and stories of those most knowledgeable about and most passionate about Texas higher education.
College Forward students and alumni have defied the odds. Only 8% of low-income students ever graduate from college in Texas. By contrast, College Forward students, who receive critical mentoring support, are five times more likely to earn a postsecondary credential. The benefits of higher education for low-income students and for the economic future of the state are indisputable. Mentoring makes the difference.
