Higher Education Summit to Tackle Inequity

Unveiling of Landmark Survey Kicks Off Two-Day Event

By Marc Morial

President & CEO, National Urban League

In what may be the nation’s most comprehensive look at inequity in higher education, the National Urban League has partnered with USA Funds to present a summit bringing together leading educational experts, social justice leaders, elected officials and students.

The summit begins Tuesday, October 27, with the release of a landmark Gallup survey on minority student outcomes.

Students of color are less likely to enroll in institutions of higher learning and less likely to earn a degree when they do. We’ll be examining the barriers to enrollment and completion and looking for creative approaches to closing the gap. The disparity represents more than an economic disadvantage – though that disadvantage is significant. Educational level corresponds with more than just income – civic involvement, volunteerism and physical health rise as well. It’s a problem that affects entire communities.

This one-of-a-kind summit will feature Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr., as well as other distinguished speakers such as Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, former Michigan Governor John Engler and Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick.