Post-Secondary Pathways

Public education has never been more critical to ensuring economic mobility and future success.

A college degree is increasingly important for promoting economic mobility. While much of the post-secondary policy attention is focused on college attendance, there are significantly larger disparities in college completion rates. Students living in areas with high poverty rates disproportionately face challenges to success in college, including access to a high-quality high school education with a strong college-bound culture, guidance in navigating complex college admissions and financial aid processes, and a lack of additional supports necessary to help them persist. While 76% of CPS first-year students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, it is estimated that only 18% will do so within ten years of starting high school. 

The Education Lab is working in partnership with CPS and college success providers in Chicago to identify and co-design supports to support CPS students–especially Options students–to achieve their post-secondary aspirations in college and career.

Related Projects
Embedded Analysts
CURRENT

Embedded Analysts

The Education Lab provides technical assistance to support Chicago Public Schools in using data analysis to answer key questions and guide daily decisions.

Genesys Works
CURRENT

Genesys Works

The Education Lab is evaluating the impact of Genesys Works, an education and workforce development program that aims to improve high school achievement, college enrollment, college persistence, employment, and earnings.

Latest Updates

NYC expands restorative justice programs: ‘This is for them to come feel safe’
Media Mention
Gothamist
Jul 2024

NYC expands restorative justice programs: ‘This is for them to come feel safe’

The Gothamist’s Samantha Max cites Education Lab research that found using restorative practices to address student behavior can reduce arrests and suspensions.

Implementation, and Impact of High-Dosage Tutoring Programs
Press Release
Accelerate
Jul 2024

Implementation, and Impact of High-Dosage Tutoring Programs

Today the national nonprofit Accelerate announced a new initiative that will bring together top education researchers from across the U.S. to develop rigorous research on the impact, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of various high-dosage tutoring programs. The Education Lab is a member of Accelerate’s inaugural Research Learning Community as part of a commitment to helping policymakers and school districts access the high-quality and transparent evidence they need to make informed decisions for their students.

What aspects of teaching should remain human?
Media Mention
The Hechinger Report
Jul 2024

What aspects of teaching should remain human?

Chris Berdik, for The Hechinger Report, highlights Saga Education’s partnership with the Education Lab to scale high-dosage tutoring through the Personalized Learning Initiative, where AI is playing a growing role in the delivery of tutoring.