Persistence in High School and College:

FREE Conference

Access to higher education has increased substantially, however success in college – as measured by persistence and degree attainment has not seen the same improvements. Researchers agree that figuring out how to boost college completion is the challenge. In order to increase success, researchers must both understand the underlying causes of the completion problem as well as provide effective solutions for both high school and college institutions.

This conference will highlight issues of education persistence and degree attainment by reviewing the research on causes and effective initiatives. Interventions designed to help at-risk students overcome barriers will be discussed. Particular focus on practical solutions for issues such as remedial/developmental education, advising, and high school/college bridge programs will be provided.


This conference, organized by the Education Research Section and co-sponsored by the Program in Teacher Preparation and the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University, is designed in conjunction with the latest journal issue of The Future of Children "Transitions to Adulthood." This issue, due to be released in Spring 2010, addresses issues on education persistence and degree attainment both in secondary and higher education. This conference is created for both high school and community college practitioners.

A special keynote speaker, David Baime, VP for Government Relations, American Association of Community Colleges will provide information for both high schools and colleges on the American Graduation Initiative.