Today we are releasing, The State of Higher Education in California - Latino Report which finds that while more Latinos in California are graduating from high school and going to college, they continue to be underrepresented in every segment of higher education and have significantly lower levels of college degree attainment than all other racial/ethnic groups in the state. In fact, only 12% of Latino working-age adults have a bachelor's degree compared to 42% of White adults. And while each new generation of Latino Californians is becoming more educated than the previous ones Latino students still face major barriers on the path to reach their college dreams.
Simply hoping more Latinos will get a college education is not a strategy for meeting California's serious workforce crisis. Our Governor, state policymakers, along with college, K-12 and community leaders like you, will play a critical role in determining whether we do more than talk about data in reports like these. Solving the challenge to produce more college graduates and eliminate the gaps by race isn't just about what's good for Latinos in California - the future of our economy and our state is at stake.
A few key findings from the report:
- There are over 15 million Latinos in California making up 39% of the population and surpassing Whites as the largest racial/ethnic group in the state;
- Only three out of ten Latino High School Graduates completed the A-G courses needed to apply to California's four year universities in 2013;
- Among first-time freshmen, 65% of Latinos enroll in a California community college where only 39% will earn a degree, certificate or transfer within six years ;
- The California State University system graduates only about one in ten Latino freshman within four-years;
- While Latino applications to UCLA and UC Berkeley have increased by 350% in the past two decades, admit rates have only risen by 1.7%.
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In addition to the recommendations listed in our report, we have highlighted promising practices at Santa Rosa Junior College and Cal State Fullerton - two campuses boldly charging ahead and focusing on improving Latino student success. You can access our new report, infographic, press release and the profiles using the link below.
When one in two children under the age of 18 is Latino, the future of our economy and state will rise or fall depending on their educational success.
Sincerely,
President
Campaign for College Opportunity
