Higher Edge

Getting students to and through college.

Need

“There are so many students in our community who need this support. Higher Edge restores hope and belief that everyone looking to go to college can reach their goals.”
– Genesis, TRMC ‘15
Connecticut College, 19

Founded in 2011, Higher Edge is a community-based organization dedicated to providing New London’s historically underserved low-income and first-generation students with access to consistent support and resources in their pursuit of a college degree.

IncomeA college education is essential to gaining financial stability, career options, and living a healthy life. In our current economic landscape, those with college degrees are at a far lesser risk of unemployment, compared to those without a college degree (3.8% versus 12.2%). And, over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree can reach as high as $900,000.
CT JobsBy the end of this decade, more than 60% of Connecticut jobs will require a college degree. Yet, currently, only 22.3% of New London residents have a bachelor’s degree.
For New London students, just 38% of graduating high school seniors enroll directly in college. Even more disheartening, just 16% of them will ultimately graduate with a degree within six years, mirroring the national statistics of low-income and first-generation students.
Graduates

Now more than ever, Connecticut needs a community-based approach to college access and success to ensure its students are attaining the advantages of higher education.

Higher Edge Student Snapshot

  • 90 percent Qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch
  • 95 percent Are of racial and ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in higher education
  • 55 percent More than half live in single-parent homes
  • 90 percent Will be the first generation in their family to receive a Bachelors degree.

Despite these factors, Higher Edge students are achieving. They are enrolling in college, succeeding on their campuses, and graduating with college degrees. Their transformations into young responsible adults are remarkable as they prepare to enter the workforce and become leaders in their community.