Opening Doors

Helping Low-Income Students Earn College Credentials

September 2002

 

Melissa Wavelet

melissa.wavelet@mdrc.org

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Contents

 

Opening Doors: Helping Low-Income Students Earn College Credentials

Opening Doors Overview

Policy Context

Role of Education and Training in Welfare Reform

Mandatory Employment Services

Role of Education and Training in Welfare Reform

Opening Doors Project Phases

Opening Doors: Focus Groups / Six Community College Sites

Research Questions

Focus Group Participants

Focus Group Characteristics / Race and Ethnicity

Focus Group Characteristics / Hours worked per week

Focus Group Theme

 

CA Focus Groups

Putting the Pieces Together

Attrition Funnell of Low-Income Community College Students

Opening Doors Demonstration: Possible Themes

Solutions: Financial Aid

Solutions: Curricular Reform / Class Formatting / Instructional Practice

Solutions: On-Campus Support

Solutions: Increase Transfer Opportunities to Four-Year Colleges

Research Questions Opening Doors Will Answer

Evidence from Opening Doors Can be Used to Inform Public Policy

Project Partners and Funders