U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced legislation on Wednesday that would establish a competitive grant program for higher education institutions to address disparities in recruitment, admissions, and support, according to a press release.
Under the College Equity Act, colleges and universities would be able to use the grant funds to examine how their admissions policies, financial aid processes, access to campus support services, and faculty diversity contribute to gaps in student outcomes by race and ethnicity, gender, income, ability, transfer status, and military and veteran status. Funds may also be utilized to develop and execute improvement plans to address the findings.
"There are schools where veterans, people of color, and people with disabilities are able to thrive, and others where they struggle. The difference often comes down to schools knowing the challenges that exist for students and doing something to help," Sen. Schatz said. "This bill provides federal funding so that the doors of every college and university are open to qualified students from all walks of life—and that these schools can offer the resources students need to graduate on time and make a good living for themselves."
Related Links
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz's Press Release
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-reintroduces-legislation-to-narrow-college-achievement-gaps-support-students-of-color-veterans-disabled-students