Virginia Tech working to get more students into college

College Access Collaborative started last summer

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech is working to get more students into college.

The new College Access Collaborative started last summer with the goal of working in areas around the Commonwealth that have low college rates by increasing academic preparation, access and affordability for first-generation, low-income, under represented minorities and students from rural and inner city communities.

They've partnered with fifteen high schools In target areas including Lynchburg, Southside and Southwest Virginia targeting parents, students and teachers or counselors.

"It's a really broad effort, it doesn't fall under one umbrella. We literally have hundreds of people at Virginia Tech who are committed to helping to prepare our next generation of leaders and scientists and employees and difference makers," said Dr. Karen Eley Saunders, the Associate Vice Provost for College Access.

By the end of June they want to increase the number of scholarship awards to Pell-eligible students by 30-percent, increase STEM-H learning for middle and high school students, enhance middle and high school counselors' knowledge about the college application and financial aid process and host professional development workshops.

Next year's goals include increasing the number of applications and acceptance rate in under represented students (Black, Latino, Native American and first generation students).


About the Author:

You can see Jenna weekday mornings at the anchor desk on WSLS 10 Today from 5-7 a.m. She also leads our monthly Solutionaries Series, where we highlight the creative thinkers and doers working to make the world a better place.