Abstract
In California, the future is already here. And we should both embrace and fear
it. I say that because higher education’s future is the underserved student, the
student of color, the first in the family to go to college. We should embrace them
as the future not only in California, but in America, since by 2040 people of color
will be nearing the majority in this country. Higher education should fear itself,
not these students, because we are not doing a good enough job of preparation,
outreach, admission, enrollment, retention, and graduation of these students. In
fact, we are doing a pretty abysmal job. To do better, we must reach way down
into the public schools, community and faith-based organizations and collaborate with these and other groups to get parents and students prepared for and into
our institutions. If we do not do this, this country’s economic future will be dim,
our higher education system will squander an opportunity, and our young people
will struggle even more than they currently are.