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The Weakest Link

A Commentary on the Connections Between K—12 and Higher Education

University of Virginia

Colleges and universities could be seen as being at the apex of a steep educational pyramid. Prospective entrants to the academy make their way up the pyramid by way of their experiences in elementary and secondary schools. Young people with financial means and social capital are likely to make it to the top of the pyramid with little difficulty. However, students of color, especially boys, are more likely to drop out, opt out, or be pushed out of school than they are to make a successful journey to the top. College and university presidents can help to change this situation by supporting precollege intervention programs on their campuses and in their communities. These programs can motivate and inspire students to pursue high academic achievement, and they help to establish a sense within these young people that attending college is an attainable goal, regardless of one's present social or financial circumstances.

Key Words: college access • equity • interventions • high school completion • precollege programs

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