Resources

The highest-leverage actions for states to close equity gaps in students’ postsecondary preparation, access, and success. In the new economic reality, a high school diploma is not enough for long-term economic mobility and success. All youth need some education or...

In May 2019, the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas (Dana Center), in collaboration with Education Strategy Group (ESG), Achieve, Community College Research Center, and the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities and with support from...

Navigating pathways through high school, higher education and training, and into the workforce can be overwhelming for students and families. Families need to be engaged early and often to ensure they have the resources and support they need to make...

When it comes to accessing, transitioning to, and succeeding in postsecondary education and training, high-quality advice and a helping hand can make all the difference. Unfortunately, students’ access to these elements varies widely from district to district, school to school,...

In August 2020, ESG published From Tails to Heads: Building Momentum for Postsecondary Success and introduced the concept of “Momentum Metrics” — eight of the most predictive indicators of postsecondary preparation, retention, and success. Now, we’re pleased to share three...

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented and profound impact on students and families, educators, and educational institutions across the nation. Severe disruptions starting in the spring of 2020 and continuing today are affecting every dimension of teaching and learning....

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the higher education preparation and college-going plans of millions of students. National Student Clearinghouse data shows that there was a significant drop in the number of students going to college directly...

As the Biden administration begins the work of helping the nation to heal from a devastating and tumultuous year, the preparation of young people and adults for economic mobility and success must be an immediate priority. Building back better should...

No one’s trajectory in life should come down to a coin flip; but for black, brown, and low-income students at approximately 7,000 high schools across the United States, chances of successfully enrolling in higher education—and opening the doors to economic...

Earlier this year, ESG released Fast Track FAFSA Completion, a report on the highest impact strategies for increasing FAFSA completion. Building on the lessons from this report, we have created a series of five case studies that highlight the impressive...

Increasing FAFSA completion rates is a fundamental step in a state’s efforts to meet their postsecondary attainment goal. Students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in higher education, persist in their college coursework, and obtain a degree. 

Earning a postsecondary credential—a certificate with labor market value or an associate or bachelor’s degree—opens doors to employment with family-sustaining wages. Every individual in this country should be able to access postsecondary education and be supported along the way to...