The post-Affirmative Action landscape — Nolvia Delgado // Kaplan Educational Foundation

Show Notes

• 01:09
  The post affirmative action landscape and its impact on first gen students

  The ruling to remove affirmative action will make it more challenging for selective universities to attract overlooked and underserved students. Despite this, students must recognize that these institutions still value and want them.
• 02:04
  The impact of the affirmative action ruling on college applications

  The box indicating racial identity has been removed from college applications. This change hinders schools from considering the unique challenges and lived experiences of black, brown, and low-income students in the admissions process.
• 03:28
  Supporting students in the post affirmative action landscape

  Students aspiring to attend these institutions should leverage interviews and campus visits to make themselves known and emphasize their suitability. Equally important is that adults in their lives reassure students that they belong at these institutions.
• 04:06
  The impact of affirmative action bans on diversity in college education

  California's passing of Proposition 209 led to a substantial reduction in the enrollment of black and brown students in higher education institutions. Ultimately, larger systemic changes are required to address and rectify these disparities.
• 04:46
  Addressing equality concerns in the absence of affirmative action

  Affirmative action acknowledges challenges for underrepresented and low-income students, recognizing their resilience. Admissions to prestigious institutions are merit-based, and removing affirmative action denies deserving students opportunities to excel at these schools.
• 06:52
  Challenges and limitations in college admissions post affirmative action

  Schools with resources are making efforts to reach students in their communities and convey that they are wanted. However, new rules limit how colleges can use demographic data, impacting the evaluation of students who may have previously benefited from affirmative action.
• 08:04
  Leveraging technology for college connections

  COVID prompted schools to use technology for virtual connections, benefiting first-gen students who may face geographical constraints. Students and parents should leverage online resources to connect with colleges beyond their physical locations in this new landscape.
• 09:10
  The post affirmative action landscape and its impact on employment and recruitment

  The affirmative action decision also has implications for employment. Many employers rely on partnerships with colleges for their hiring pipelines, and the new ruling may alter the diversity landscape within companies as they lose access to a diverse pool of students.
• 09:37
  How parents and students should approach the college application process

  Parents should reassure their kids that colleges want them and encourage connecting, either in person or using technology, to build a relationship. Additionally, community-based organizations can provide valuable support for students navigating the evolving college landscape.
• 10:12
  Affirmative action and future legislation

  Currently, the focus is on ensuring students continue applying to and attending these schools. While the hope is for change, the immediate priority is getting deserving students into these institutions.
• 10:38
  Supporting community college students to attend selective institutions

  Kaplan Educational Foundation focuses on supporting community college students. Their goal is to increase the number of community college students transferring to selective institutions, starting with empowering them to recognize their potential for success.
• 13:03
  Improving community college transfer rates to four year institutions

  While over 80% of community college students intend to transfer to a four-year institution, only 14% obtain a bachelor's degree. Community college students need early education on transfer pathways and should start the groundwork for transfer from their senior year of high school.
• 14:32
  The importance of college education today

  College remains crucial, especially for first-generation and underserved students. However, it should be complemented with professional experiences like internships to ensure long-term success.
• 15:14
  How parents can prepare children for college

  Listen to your child and support their choice, whether it's community college or another path. Actively engage with schools through info sessions so prospective students can learn about the school while the schools also get to know the prospective students during the decision process.