New Initiative Connects Remediation Reforms and Guided Pathways to Boost Student Success

Madison, Wis., August 15, 2017—Three funders have joined forces on a new initiative designed to transition our postsecondary system from one that serves some students well to one that serves all students well. Launched with $13 million in pooled grant funds from Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Kresge Foundation, Strong Start to Finish aims to help more students complete introductory math and English courses and enter a program of study in their first year of college.

Over the past 20 years, millions of dollars have been invested in developmental (remedial) education reforms and the creation of guided pathways. Institutions pioneering these efforts have seen dramatic improvements in student success on both fronts. However, a lack of coordination in research, funding and implementation of these approaches is limiting the impact of strategies we know to be effective.

Strong Start to Finish will make three or four three-year grants of up to $2.25 million to postsecondary systems, regions or metropolitan areas in key sites across the country that are prepared to connect these evidence-based practices and bring them to scale.

Strong Start to Finish, coordinated by Education Commission of the States, will help others discover how full-system scaling is possible. An Expert Advisory Board composed of diverse postsecondary leaders and practitioners will guide continuous learning activities.

To learn more about Great Lakes' support for Strong Start to Finish, visit community.mygreatlakes.org.