39% of the class of 2018 (61,395 total students) across New England qualify as economically disadvantaged, defined by (1) student eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals (in five New England states) or (2) student participation in either the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, foster care, or Medicaid (Massachusetts only).
Given the size of the population, the 23 percentage point gap in college enrollment and 30 percentage point gap in college completion for economically disadvantaged students represents a substantial inequity in New England's schools. While an increasing proportion of students are enrolling in college, many students are not.
On the one hand, the gap in college enrollment between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged students has narrowed slightly over the last decade from 27 to 23 percentage points. This may be indicative of efforts across the region to increase access to college for economically disadvantaged students, a group historically underrepresented in higher education.
Unfortunately, while more economically disadvantaged students are enrolling in college, few are completing a degree or credential, particularly as compared to their non-economically disadvantaged peers. Closing this substantial gap will require innovative thinking, but doing so is essential in order to achieve our collective goal of educational equity and opportunity for all students.
Let's use the discussion questions below to consider how we can effect change in our schools and communities that will continue to narrow this gap.