A new initiative aims to expand the college pipeline in Colorado and increase degree completion by giving students at the state's 13 community colleges guaranteed admission to a participating four-year college once they complete their two-year degree. 

Partner universities in the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program will collaborate with community colleges in joint academic counseling, streamline transfer processes through new IT data systems, and engage early and often with students to better support their transition.

Like many postsecondary institutions, the University of Alaska Anchorage has experienced its share of tight budgets and other crises, including an earthquake and merger proposals.

Cathy Sandeen, chancellor of the multi-campus institution, discusses how her school remains focused on its open-access mission while trying to prevent education deserts amid budget turmoil and other challenges.