KDK-Harman Foundation

AUSTIN, Texas, April 7, 2008 — As national concern escalates about America's global competitiveness, leaders from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources at the University of Texas at Austin, nonprofit organizations focused on increasing access and graduation to higher education programs, and education-focused grantmakers announce a learning session to increase the number of college-educated Texans and ensure that graduates include far more young people from low-income and minority families. On Thursday, April 10th, 2008, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, College Forward and Admission Possible will share their respective innovative approaches on improving college access for all students. College Forward and Admission Possible provide college preparatory services to Texas and Minnesota communities, respectively. The learning session will additionally explore how these programs measure impact and how successful programs can be brought to scale.

Nationally, while college-going rates continue to rise overall, gaps between different groups of students are actually expanding in both access and college completion. African American students earn bachelors’ degrees at half (18%)—and Latinos at one-third (11%)—the rate of white students (34%). Currently, low-income students earn bachelors’ degrees at one-eighth the rate of their more advantaged counterparts (9% vs. 75% by age 24).* Gaps like these threaten the health of our democracy and also threaten the health of our economy. The United States no longer leads the world in the proportion of our citizenry with a two- or four-year degree at a time when advanced education matters more than ever.

"Not only is it important for students to gain admission to college, they must also have the tools to succeed when they get there," said Janet E. Harman, President and Founder of KDK-Harman Foundation, whose foundation will co-host this learning initiative. Other key collaborators of this event include TG’s Public Benefit Program and the Association of Small Foundations.

Trustees and staff from grantmaking institutions are welcome to attend. This program is not open to grant seekers. Additionally, media outlets are welcome. This Learning Initiative will convene on April 10th, at Goodwill Industries on 1015 Northwood Park Boulevard at 11:30-1:30 lunch provided.

About KDK-Harman Foundation

KDK-Harman Foundation was founded by Janet E. Harman in December 2004. The Foundation provides financial and capacity-building resources to education focused nonprofits that assist disadvantaged Central Texas families, with a focus on women, to help them achieve educational success. The ultimate goal of such funding is to transform their lives from poverty to financial independence to enable a better life for themselves and future generations. The Foundation supports programs within Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, and Llano counties.

*Statistics cited from US Department of Education, Condition of Education, 2006.