Navigating the Post-Affirmative Action Landscape

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

In the aftermath of a Su preme Court Decision that gutted affirmative action, colleges and universities across the country are scram bling to adjust their admissions pro grams. There’s also some anxiety among prospective students and families about the road ahead.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Education gathered higher education leaders together for a summit where they discussed next steps as far as expanding opportunities for students of color and nontraditional students. Although the Supreme Court dissolved what many believed to be a valuable protection, all is not lost for students who want to attend college.

Below are some factors that college applicants, this year and in the years to come, can take into consideration as they pursue an affordable postsecondary education.

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

Pour Your Heart

Out in Your College Essay:

Even though colleges can no longer consider race as a factor in admissions, the U.S. Supreme Court said that applicants can use essays to explain how race and other identifiers have shaped their lives. For several years, the college essay has separated top applicants from the rest of the pack -- all because they paint the picture of a person who can enhance campus life. Now’s the time for young people to be introspective about their experiences and life goals so they can craft an essay that really shows what they can contribute to their university community.

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

Whether they’re in the public school system or homeschooling, young people can experience the academic rigor of college courses and acquire college credit while doing so. Dual enrollment has become increasingly popular in recent years as a cost-saving measure for families. Last school year, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant announced the launch of the Advanced Technical Center, through which high school students can also accumulate up to 20 college credits while taking nursing, healthcare IT, and cybersecurity courses.

Test the Waters with Dual Enrollment and Other Programs:

Families seeking more information about dual enrollment programs can reach out to their child’s high school counselor, the Office of the State Su-

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So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.