The Council on Postsecondary Education has announced an effort to increase the percentage of Kentuckians who graduate from college, obtain a certificate or complete a postsecondary education program.
Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of The Council on Postsecondary Education said the campaign’s goal is to move the number of Kentuckians with a college credential from 49% to 60% by 2030. Thompson said the campaign will focus on resources for students who don’t think college is an option.
“Student supports must go beyond academic interventions; they must address mental health challenges, food and housing insecurity. In other social emotional needs, all students and particularly at risk, students need to feel welcome,” Thompson said. “They need to feel advocated for and they need to feel understood.”
Thompson said the CPE will also work to improve credit transfers from two-year colleges.
The campaign will also focus on improving equity and inclusion among low income students and students of color.
Northern Kentucky University Student Body President Aliya Cannon said student challenges must be addressed to reach this goal.
“That's talking about housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental and physical health resources and support, financial literacy workshops, mentorship and guidance for our students. Because it's not always about what happens in the classroom,” Cannon said.
Cannon said the CPE is working with universities to provide better resources for student challenges.
