Baruch College, located on the original campus of the City College of New York, has managed to uphold the legacy of accessible higher education while adapting to the demands of the 21st century. Baruch College boasts an impressive record of providing upward mobility opportunities, with over 60% of students receiving Pell grants and 75% being people of color. Despite serving a predominantly low-income student body, the college maintains a high six-year graduation rate of 74%, well above the national average.
The American Talent Initiative, spearheaded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, aims to increase economic diversity in higher education. Baruch College stands out as a model institution within this initiative due to its success in diversifying its student body while maintaining high graduation rates. However, the initiative faces challenges, with progress stalling in recent years, especially worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To address these challenges, the initiative has implemented stricter measures for member colleges to ensure continued commitment to increasing economic diversity. Some colleges have dropped out, while others have joined or remained steadfast in their commitment to the initiative. Baruch College, among others, has joined this effort to improve economic diversity in higher education.
The article outlines successful strategies employed by colleges to increase diversity, including redirecting scholarships to students with financial need, recruiting more community college transfers, and providing support services to help students navigate the complexities of higher education. Baruch College exemplifies these strategies with initiatives like the Baruch One Stop Shop and cohort programs designed to support first-year students.
Overall, Baruch College serves as a hope for accessible and diverse higher education, embodying the original vision of City College while adapting to the challenges and demands of the modern era. Through its commitment to economic diversity and upward mobility, Baruch College continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape.
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