Thirty-nine million Americans have some college but no degree. Many are derailed from their educational pursuits because of credits that won’t transfer, disruptions in child care, even unreliable transportation.

The Widen the Path campaign from Higher Learning Advocates aims to improve that reality by pushing for changes that will widen the path to and through higher education. That includes stronger connections between community colleges, universities, and workforce training.

Photo: Demetrius Freeman

A federal judge in Missouri is deliberating on whether to stop the Biden administration from moving forward with plans to cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt for more than 40 million people.

Legal experts say the case, one of several lawsuits to end the policy, may pose the greatest threat of delaying or halting the implementation of the program.

Working part time—or even full time—is an important part of many students’ college plans, especially as living costs in California continue to rise. But California’s estimated 75,000 undocumented students don’t qualify for federal work-study programs or most job opportunities, and many struggle to make ends meet. 

A new California program will give hundreds of them an opportunity to earn money for college while doing community service. It’s the latest in a number of state efforts to help undocumented students pay for college.