While only 3 percent of the nation’s undergraduates attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the institutions produce almost 20 percent of the nation’s Black college graduates. And they contribute 25 percent of Black STEM graduates, as well as countless doctors, lawyers, and political leaders.

HBCUs are making these important contributions despite a long and ugly history of underfunding. And while they may be getting fresh attention amid big-dollar donations lately, HBCUs need more than money to thrive, experts say. 

Student housing at community colleges is somewhat rare—only 28 percent of community colleges in America have on-campus dormitory options for their students. But that may be changing, as more community college students face food and housing insecurity.

The COVID-19 pandemic only heightened the need for housing solutions. Some community colleges are now thinking differently about community-based partnerships, working with homeless communities and providers, and building dormitories to create a consistent and safe place for students to live and study.

Seeing inequities for low-income students worsen during the past year became an urgent call to action for Shirley Collado. In August, she will voluntarily step aside from her role as president of Ithaca College to become the next chief executive of College Track.

Collado has long believed that talent is everywhere but opportunities are not. She says her own story of struggling—and succeeding—as a first-generation student will be instrumental in her new work to help more students realize their potential.