Community Collaborative: Postsecondary Enrollment Strategy Spotlight
Postsecondary Enrollment Playbook: Strategy Spotlight
Overview
Postsecondary enrollment is a powerful pathway to economic mobility and long-term stability. With 70% of U.S. jobs expected to require education or training beyond high school by 2031, what comes after graduation matters more than ever. Postsecondary options — including two- and four-year colleges, career and technical education programs, apprenticeships and the skilled trades — all share a common goal: preparing students for careers that offer a living wage and a future. Communities can expand access to these pathways through strong college and career counseling, rigorous coursework, financial support and coordinated systems that help every student find and pursue their next step.
Getting into college is one of the most important steps a young person can take toward economic mobility, but for many students, cost and lack of support stand in the way. In southeastern Wisconsin, Building Our Future in Kenosha and Higher Expectations for Racine County co-lead the Postsecondary Equitable Enrollment Collaborative, with a goal of 62% postsecondary enrollment by 2028 and no opportunity gaps by 2030. After enrollment dropped sharply during the pandemic, both counties have made steady gains: Kenosha County reached 47% in 2024, representing nearly 900 additional students pursuing education after high school. Through real-time FAFSA tracking, one-on-one counseling and youth apprenticeship programs, the collaborative is removing barriers and opening doors for students.
Playbook ChaptersPostsecondary Enrollment Playbook
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