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Higher Education’s Vital Role in Strengthening Democracy: A Strategic Playbook

A recent white paper released by Complete College America highlights the connection between higher education accessibility and the preservation of democracy. The report contends that, particularly amid a polarized political climate, enhancing access to colleges and improving completion rates are vital strategies for fostering civic engagement and trust in public institutions.

The Role of Higher Education in Democracy

Charles Ansell, the Vice President for Research, Policy and Advocacy at Complete College America, states that while many factors affect the current state of democracy, the role of higher education is frequently underestimated. According to Ansell, education is a crucial pathway to economic participation that subsequently strengthens democratic engagement. The findings of the report suggest that earning a bachelor’s degree not only improves socioeconomic mobility but also contributes to a more stable civic life by fostering financial security and encouraging community involvement.

The Impact of College Credits

The white paper notes that over 40 million Americans have earned college credits without completing a degree, a trend that diminishes the effectiveness of the higher education system. This issue is compounded by the increasing burden of student loan debt for many borrowers. Ansell warns that if higher education is viewed as increasingly unattainable, public trust in these institutions may decline, potentially jeopardizing fundamental democratic principles.

Challenges for Low-Income and Minority Students

The report identifies that low-income and minority students often encounter a dual challenge in higher education: the necessity of balancing part-time enrollment with full-time work and the lack of sufficient financial resources. This situation contributes to lower graduation rates and hinders the acquisition of essential skills for civic participation.

Connection Between Education and Democratic Engagement

Nancy Thomas, Executive Director of the AAC&U Institute for Democracy and Higher Education, points out that the link between educational attainment and democratic engagement is well recognized, yet awareness of this connection remains limited. She expresses concern regarding lawmakers’ understanding of the significant role education plays in cultivating a vibrant democracy and advocates for increased financial support for higher education to enhance its potential as a catalyst for civic engagement.

Advocating for Accessibility and Affordability

Irene Mulvey, former president of the American Association of University Professors, shares these concerns, noting that current educational inequities not only persist but are worsened by the requirement for full-time attendance to receive a degree. She emphasizes the necessity for collective efforts aimed at ensuring both accessibility and affordability in higher education.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The report concludes with recommendations for higher education institutions to identify and remove barriers to degree completion, to incorporate increased civic engagement into their curricula, and to advocate for expanded financial aid to support all students in achieving their degree goals.

Source: Inside Higher Ed

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