The “Grit” Factor: How Community Organizations Support Students for College Success

A key lesson educators — and education grantmakers — have learned over the last few years is that a high school diploma is no longer an adequate measurement of college readiness.  It can provide an indication of academic readiness, but it often provides little information about whether the high school graduate can succeed in and graduate from college.  In our March 18 session on Measuring What Matters, we heard a lot about “GRIT” and other metacognitive factors, as well as the challenges of measuring them.

 

We also know that schools and their community partners can’t wait until the measurement challenges have been overcome.  If they are going to help their students, members and alums get through college successfully and into careers, they have to be developing that grit right now.  Many schools and community organizations have moved forward to develop programs that build young people’s social and emotional skills, help them problem-solve and advocate for themselves, and enable them to complete college and engage as fully contributing members of our society.

 

We invite you to hear from organizations that have gone beyond college access in their programs:  Cypress Hills LDC, The TEAK Fellowship and KIPP Through College.

 

 

 

A Philanthropy New York Collaborative Program with the Education Working Group and The New York City Youth Funders Network.

 

 

All interested funders.