In October 2021, the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC) was launched, making a tremendous impact on the lives of those living in Kentucky. Since its conception, the initiative has seen the true importance of higher education. Those with a bachelor’s degree display an increased workforce participation, better financial security, and decreased participation in public benefit programs. Despite these improvements, the state is still working towards a goal of 60% of the population holding postsecondary credentials by 2030.
Over the past five years, there has been steady progress toward such a goal, however, challenges remain. The state has seen declining undergraduate enrollment in key groups such as low-income learners and adult learners. In addition, Kentucky is below the national average in baccalaureate degree earnings.
Because of these shortcomings, the state is working to partner with foundations that will help push forward their initiatives. Since working with the James Graham Brown Foundation, KYSSC has brought more people together and has been able to better share best practices for obtaining a higher degree. These collaborations have also helped to support students’ basic needs as they navigate this process.
KYSSC operates on the principle that we can accomplish more than any of us can do on our own. It is because of this that students across the state are starting to take control of their education and their future.
