Increasing the number of individuals who graduate from college is critical for students' life prospects and for our national economic prosperity. Driving a dramatic rise in the number of students who succeed in college requires a deep understanding of issues affecting post-secondary success, as well as more effective cross-sector collaborations.

Join colleagues from across the country, leading practitioners from two- and four-year institutions, and staff from the Department of Education as we answer the following questions:

   * How do issues from affordability to preparation to data systems and institutional practices shape student attainment?

   * What are the most effective practices to increase success for underserved learners, including first-generation, low-income, and racial minority students?

   * How can community colleges best prepare students for careers and for transitions to four-year institutions?

    * How will federal policy and funding developments affect college access and success?

As we identify strategies and opportunities based on these questions, participants will explore how grantmakers can align their work and foster cross-sector collaboration to ensure college success for more Americans.

Background reading materials

• Agenda
• Thomas Bailey presentation
• Kati Haycock presentation
  
• Mike McPherson presentation

Location

The member briefing will be held at Bank of America; located at 730 15th St. NW on the 10th floor.

Hotel

We have secured a room block at The Liaison Capitol Hill (415 New Jersey Avenue, N.W). The room rate is $299 per night plus taxes.

To make a reservation, please call 1-866-233-4642 and mention our group code, “GRANT” or go to the web link below:

https://reservations.synxis.com/LBE/rez.aspx?Hotel=19828&Chain=5158&group=GRANT

Registration

GFE’s member briefing is open to both members and GFE-eligible non-members. Priority attendance is given to members. Additionally, while attendance is free for members, there is a $200 cost for non-members. Registration closes COB Friday, April 30.

Support

GFE appreciates the generous support for this briefing provided by the following organizations: Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, TG Public Benefit Program and USA Funds.

Planning Committee

We appreciated the advice of the following grantmakers in designing this program:

• Jacob Fraire, TG Public Benefit Program
• Emily Froimson, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
• Jerry Fuller, Associated Colleges of Illinois
• Michelle Gilliard, Walmart Foundation
• Kyle Malone, USA Funds
• Ann Person, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Wynn Rosser, Greater Texas Foundation
• Katie Tremper, College Access Foundation of California
• Holly Zanville, Lumina Foundation for Education