Western Policy Exchanges

N

8

Federal Legislation; Educational Finance; Grants; Low Income Groups; Access to Education; State Federal Aid; Funding Formulas; Student Financial Aid; Partnerships in Education; Postsecondary Education; Outreach Programs; Program Effectiveness; Program Descriptions; Barriers

Alaska; Nevada; North Dakota; Washington

The College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) Program is a federal formula grant designed to foster partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and philanthropic entities to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Created by the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, the CACG Program provides $66 million per year for two years to state agencies or organizations designated by each state's governor. Recently introduced federal legislation would expand and continue the program for an additional five years as part of the proposed College Access and Completion Fund. This issue of "Exchanges" highlights the challenges and accomplishments of state CACG projects and presents lessons learned across the four states that were part of the network in the first year. If the grant is extended--a very real possibility--states will have an opportunity to develop sustainable programs that greatly increase postsecondary participation and success for low-income students. Having the chance to learn from each other will help states improve their own programs and develop sustainable initiatives. (Contains 2 endnotes.)

ERIC

2010

ED508988