Keeping the dream alive: state, federal and private programs aim to help minority and immigrant students make it to college in tough times.

• Author: Bell, Julie

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Alfredo is going to graduate from Colorado College, but he never would have believed that when he entered Denver's South High School. The son of immigrants, his family did not have the experience, information or money to support his dream. But thanks to help from a local foundation and a committed school counselor, Alfredo ended his senior year with a 4.5 grade point average and a full scholarship to the prestigious private school.

The resources both financial and personal--that helped Alfredo succeed are rare. State legislators have been creating pro grams to help first generation and immigrant students get into and succeed in college. These students and their families, however, often are unaware of the programs and don't believe college is a possibility.

Now, as legislators face tight budgets in the years ahead, experiences such as Alfredo's could become the exception. Many low-income, first generation and minority students may have fewer places to turn for help in going to college. Tuition has gone up and, until enactment of the economic recovery package, the federal government's share had not. Many states have decided to put money into merit programs rather than need-based programs. School counselors, who provide critical information and support to such students, are often among the first to lose their jobs. The growing income gap between those who are successful in the education system and those who are not may widen even more without programs to help these kids.

"Improving the numbers of students gaining access to higher education and successfully earning their degrees is a pressing and urgent issue for state legislators," says Connecticut Representative Denise Merrill. "The challenges are particularly acute for traditionally underserved students."

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THE VALUE OF COLLEGE

The same severe economic decline affecting state budgets also makes it hard for families and students to afford college. A college education, however, is more important than ever in determining future earnings. The annual income of an employee with a bachelor's degree is about 80 percent higher than for a person with a high school diploma or more than $1 million over a lifetime, according to the College Board. College graduates are more involved in community and philanthropic affairs, are healthier, and require fewer state services than those without a degree.

The high school achievement gap between whites and minorities is prevalent and alarming. Nationally, while 80 percent of white students graduate from high school, the figures are only 72 percent for Hispanics and 69 percent for African Americans. And the picture of college enrollment is bleak: 73 percent of white high school graduates enroll, compared to 58 percent of Hispanic students and 56 percent of African-American students.

Texas recently studied changing demographics and the lack of success of low-income and minority students in its higher education system. "We faced a grave realization of where our state would be in 10 years if we did not figure out a way to improve college success for these students and families," says Representative Geanie Morrison.

Minority and first-generation students account for all the current growth in our...