The Role of High Schools in Preparing Disadvantaged Students for College

Postsecondary education can help disadvantaged young people increase their economic opportunity. However, disadvantaged youth encounter barriers in qualifying for college, paying tuition, and ultimately succeeding. Many scholars, policymakers, and advocates have come to the view that high schools should do more to prepare disadvantaged students for the academic rigors of college and to help them select a college and apply for student aid.

On May 14, The Future of Children, a joint project between Princeton University and the Brookings Institution, will release a policy brief discussing the steps high schools should take to help low-income students prepare for postsecondary education. The policy brief is a companion to the most recent issue, America’s High Schools, which examines the reasons high schools are widely believed to be failing and proposes solutions. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), the former superintendent of the Denver schools, will deliver the keynote address.

Event Materials:

A New Goal for America’s High Schools: College Preparation for All policy brief »

Future of Children »