How ASU Local Addresses Economic Equity in DC

In June 2015, I watched Taylor  (name changed for privacy) walk across the stage to receive their high school diploma. I knew Taylor well- I knew their family, the challenges they faced during high school, and that they were going away on a full scholarship to a lovely liberal arts college. Despite all the challenges, they had made it. They were on track to become the first in their family to attend college with all possibilities in the world. The picture from that day sits on a shelf in my office- both of us beaming.

But Taylor didn't make it through the first year of college. How could that be? What happened? How could it all have fallen apart? I know T was prepared, they were ready for the rigor of college coursework and had a full-ride (which in my mind meant they had everything they needed financially). 

But Taylor is not alone…not by a long shot. 

Recently published research projects that only 14% of the DC public and public charter school graduates in the class of 2018 will earn a postsecondary degree within six years.

When CityWorks DC had the opportunity to investigate why students were stopping-out or not starting college, we started by surveying more than 200 recent graduates who either did not start or started and stopped out (like Taylor). Here is what we learned about those surveyed:

• There is an overwhelming desire to obtain a college degree. In fact, nearly 75% of respondents said they had considered going back/starting college within the past year. 

• Overwhelmingly, students described stopping out due to barriers beyond their control such as the timing and re-calculations of financial aid or medical or other emergencies at home. 

• Students surveyed also reported that they lacked the confidence or support to re-engage with college. They felt disconnected from others and despite wanting to re-engage, they didn’t know where to start. 

From this research, CityWorks DC set out to identify innovative college offerings. Specifically, those that were local, affordable, and highly supportive. We believe this is critical to closing the opportunity gap for young people in DC and, eventually, addressing the income disparity in our city.

That’s why CityWorks DC partnered with ASU Local, bringing the global research institution Arizona State University to Washington, DC with flexible, affordable coursework combined with in-person coaching and support. The in-person, close-knit student community guides participants toward academic success.

ASU Local is affordable. The average cost is less than $10,000, which is mostly, if not entirely, covered by Pell and DCTAG grants for the majority of students. 

ASU Local is flexible. College coursework is online and on-demand to fit around student schedules enabling students to fulfill additional responsibilities.

ASU Local is supportive. Because ASU Local is a hybrid program, in-person coaches solely dedicated to DC students’ success create a high-support model that assists with academic and social barriers. Supportive academic coaching helps students master commonly assessed skills and competencies for future careers and ensures students graduate on time by keeping an eye on their attendance, assignments, and course completion. But the one-on-one support goes beyond just academics. Coaches help students connect with community resources, such as finding child care, accessing healthcare resources, and providing small dollar financial support to remove barriers for continuing coursework.  This “high-support” is a key facet to a successful graduation for students across the program.

To create a more equitable talent pipeline that prioritizes DC youth and young adults of color, it’s vital that we tear down barriers that get in the way of securing local high-wage, high demand jobs. And while there are multiple pathways to success for students after high school, we must make sure that the postsecondary education pathway isn’t closed off. ASU Local’s affordable, flexible, supportive college program ensures that DC students have the chance to get the education they need to start a family-sustaining career. 

Visit cityworksdc.org/asu to learn more and apply or contact Rich Pohlman at rpohlman@cityworkdc.org to inquire about how to partner with ASU to enhance postsecondary opportunities for youth.