Although impediments to learning
exist at many levels in the U.S. education system, they are of
increasing concern in the transition from two-year to four-year
institutions. Almost half of all undergraduates who attend
college—including the majority of first-generation and minority
students—attend one of the nation’s community colleges. Of that
number, close to half declare attaining a bachelor’s degree as
their goal, yet only an estimated quarter of those students manage
to achieve transfer to bachelor’s-level programs. In bottom-line
terms, lack of transfer can mean a significant difference in
individual earning power over a lifetime. Beyond economic returns,
higher levels of education can translate to important personal and
societal benefits, including greater job security and flexibility,
better health, increased tax revenues, and higher levels of civic
participation. Clearly, it is in the best interest of individuals
and our society to minimize existing barriers and maximize
postsecondary access.
