US: Incentives to raise college graduation rates

27 March 2011

In what amounts to a 'race to the top' for higher education, the Barack Obama administration is offering competitive grants and a new 'tool kit' to help states increase their college completion rates, writes Tamar Lewin for the New York Times.

During a news briefing, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said the programme would include a new $20 million Comprehensive Grant Programme for states that carry out plans intended to increase their graduation rates. In addition, as part of its 2012 budget, the administration has proposed the $123 million 'First in the World' initiative for programmes that hold down tuition, increase completion rates and move students through college faster. Last, $50 million in College Completion Incentive Grants would reward states and schools for reforms that produce more college graduates.

Although three-quarters of young adults in the US pursue some form of post-secondary education, fewer than half earn a certificate or degree within six years of enrolling.
Full report on the New York Times site

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

Sponsored Article

Getting to net zero, one community at a time

University of Victoria staff

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation is a University of Victoria-led collaborative initiative that brings together over 40 partners, including Indigenous knowledge keepers and community leaders, to create innovative place-based solutions for energy system transformation.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Africa pays a premium for global climate change sluggishness

Stellenbosch University staff

Africa needs to stop paying the price for the rest of the world’s recalcitrance to act fast enough in response to the irrefutable conclusions that climate change is real and that the impact of global warming could be devasting, says Professor Guy Midgley, interim director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Promoted by Stellenbosch University.

Sponsored Article

Innovations to ensure energy savings in a hot, arid climate

UAE University staff

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University have shown that the potential benefits of building energy savings and a cooler indoor environment, as well as improved cooling effect on air temperature at pedestrian level, strongly indicate that a cool roof with high solar reflectance and albedo is a promising strategy for buildings in regions with hot, arid climates.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.

Sponsored Article

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

Sponsored Article

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.