St. Louis Graduates

Everyone should have the opportunity to continue their education beyond high school. No matter their background or how much money their family has. But when it comes to education beyond high school, opportunity is not equal. Many barriers hold back Black students and low-income students from earning a certificate or degree that will prepare them for jobs in today's labor market.

St. Louis Graduates is a collaborative network of K-12 and higher education, youth serving non-profit organizations, business and philanthropy committed to eliminating equity gaps in postsecondary educational attainment for low-income students and Black students. St. Louis Graduates Professional Development Institute connects high school counselors to the information, resources and strategies they need to advise students so they make informed postsecondary decisions that will help them meet their college and career goals. The Postsecondary Equity Network brings together students, staff and faculty at colleges across Missouri and southern Illinois to implement equity-minded strategies so students not only enroll in college, but graduate with minimal debt. Our Advocacy Committee advocates for college access and affordability, amplifying a policy agenda developed by the League of Student Advocates.

Want to better understand the needs of today's college students and what we can all do to support them? Watch our three-episode video series and read our Degrees with Less Debt reports at dwldstl.org