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How can we improve accessibility to career preparation and higher education for underserved communities?
I am currently a rising junior in college and I am a first-generation college student.
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6 answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Christina,
I struggle with this question all the time.
In my motivational model, people in general are gifted with talents (language, art, math, empathy, etc.) at birth, driven by ambitions, and succeed by exercising opportunities in their lives.
Talents are things that we are born with and develop over a lifetime of experience and education.
Ambition is the key driver that encourages children and kids to imagine that there are careers they want to be part of, and CAN be part of by extending and improving their talents, beyond the communities they grow up in.
It is the responsibility of the community (mentors) to provide a "vision" that inspires kids to search for and exercise the opportunities available in the community, as well as demand more opportunities be brought into the community to achieve their dreams.
Which is a long way of saying the elders of the community must inspire and guide following generations on what is possible and probable. This can be a real challenge as "underserved" communities may not have many active role models to look to as examples that will feed the fire of ambition to drive the demand for opportunities.
Which means outreach from role models, and the return to underserved communities of successful graduates.
I participated in a program to bring enriched science demonstrations to underserved 4th&5th grade students. Our team's mission was always to inspire students be ambitious, but we were in the schools for 2 hours once every two weeks. But the satisfaction that seeing the spark in kids eyes and the excitement when they discovered they were a step ahead in the thinking was indescribable.
So, long story short: When adequate demand is generated, the services will show up. Demand is generated by showing kids what they can accomplish if they want to.
And that is where undergrads can really help by volunteering their time as mentors and role models to underserved communities through outreach. Become that trusted adviser and payback to your community the inspiration the next generation needs to generate the ambition and motivation to aspire to a dream bigger than where they are.
So - How did YOU learn of the benefits of higher education? What and how were you inspired? How can You inspire others, and how can WE engage other students based on your experience and knowledge?
Tony
I struggle with this question all the time.
In my motivational model, people in general are gifted with talents (language, art, math, empathy, etc.) at birth, driven by ambitions, and succeed by exercising opportunities in their lives.
Talents are things that we are born with and develop over a lifetime of experience and education.
Ambition is the key driver that encourages children and kids to imagine that there are careers they want to be part of, and CAN be part of by extending and improving their talents, beyond the communities they grow up in.
It is the responsibility of the community (mentors) to provide a "vision" that inspires kids to search for and exercise the opportunities available in the community, as well as demand more opportunities be brought into the community to achieve their dreams.
Which is a long way of saying the elders of the community must inspire and guide following generations on what is possible and probable. This can be a real challenge as "underserved" communities may not have many active role models to look to as examples that will feed the fire of ambition to drive the demand for opportunities.
Which means outreach from role models, and the return to underserved communities of successful graduates.
I participated in a program to bring enriched science demonstrations to underserved 4th&5th grade students. Our team's mission was always to inspire students be ambitious, but we were in the schools for 2 hours once every two weeks. But the satisfaction that seeing the spark in kids eyes and the excitement when they discovered they were a step ahead in the thinking was indescribable.
So, long story short: When adequate demand is generated, the services will show up. Demand is generated by showing kids what they can accomplish if they want to.
And that is where undergrads can really help by volunteering their time as mentors and role models to underserved communities through outreach. Become that trusted adviser and payback to your community the inspiration the next generation needs to generate the ambition and motivation to aspire to a dream bigger than where they are.
So - How did YOU learn of the benefits of higher education? What and how were you inspired? How can You inspire others, and how can WE engage other students based on your experience and knowledge?
Tony
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hi Christina,
Fantastic question. I know first hand how hard it can be to figure things out when you don’t have anyone at home who’s done it before. A lot of students in underserved communities have the potential to succeed, but they just don’t have the same access to information, resources, or support that others do.
To improve this, I think career prep and college planning should start earlier—like in middle school. Many of us didn’t know what was out there until it felt too late. Schools should offer more programs that show students different career paths, teach financial basics, and help them build confidence.
It would also help if schools worked more closely with local businesses and colleges to offer more internships, mentorship, or even free workshops. Real-world experience makes a huge difference. And of course, college has to be more affordable. That means more scholarships, easier-to-understand financial aid, and free tools for things like applications and test prep.
Finally, representation matters. When students see people from their community succeeding, it makes them feel like they can do it too. That kind of encouragement is powerful.
I believe if we focus on early support, real opportunities, and breaking down financial barriers, we can make college and career success more reachable for everyone—especially those who’ve been left out for too long.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
Fantastic question. I know first hand how hard it can be to figure things out when you don’t have anyone at home who’s done it before. A lot of students in underserved communities have the potential to succeed, but they just don’t have the same access to information, resources, or support that others do.
To improve this, I think career prep and college planning should start earlier—like in middle school. Many of us didn’t know what was out there until it felt too late. Schools should offer more programs that show students different career paths, teach financial basics, and help them build confidence.
It would also help if schools worked more closely with local businesses and colleges to offer more internships, mentorship, or even free workshops. Real-world experience makes a huge difference. And of course, college has to be more affordable. That means more scholarships, easier-to-understand financial aid, and free tools for things like applications and test prep.
Finally, representation matters. When students see people from their community succeeding, it makes them feel like they can do it too. That kind of encouragement is powerful.
I believe if we focus on early support, real opportunities, and breaking down financial barriers, we can make college and career success more reachable for everyone—especially those who’ve been left out for too long.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
Updated
Debra’s Answer
Congratulations.....quite an accomplishment already. I too was first generation college graduate. I have always felt it is so important to bring others along with you on the journey. Tell your story...encourage others to do the same. There is no greater way to spread the work than to pay it forward. Go back to your high school and encourage others to follow what you did. Volunteer to be a mentor to high school students. Talk about how there is money available for people to attend college.....everyone should have an opportunity to get a higher education and make a good life for themselves.
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Christina,
I love this question. It shows you’re a forward thinker. I’m a big proponent of mentorship. I found individuals working at community colleges and during my enrollment at small universities who genuinely care about their students. It seems most want to help and are likely not in their current role for the money. Use their career experience to your advantage. For those not in college, community outreach involving local high schools might go a long way in showing underserved students their options. This is largely a systemic issue that will require support from multiple departments (e.g. financial aid) but for the most part, “people join people.” Meaning, our relationships with others connect us. It may take just one person believing in you to push you across the finish line towards career/life goals.
Best of luck with the rest of your schooling. As corny as it sounds, education does open doors.
-Courtney
I love this question. It shows you’re a forward thinker. I’m a big proponent of mentorship. I found individuals working at community colleges and during my enrollment at small universities who genuinely care about their students. It seems most want to help and are likely not in their current role for the money. Use their career experience to your advantage. For those not in college, community outreach involving local high schools might go a long way in showing underserved students their options. This is largely a systemic issue that will require support from multiple departments (e.g. financial aid) but for the most part, “people join people.” Meaning, our relationships with others connect us. It may take just one person believing in you to push you across the finish line towards career/life goals.
Best of luck with the rest of your schooling. As corny as it sounds, education does open doors.
-Courtney
MaryAnn White
Sr. Director, Product Manager for a Silicon Valley high tech company
3
Answers
Updated
MaryAnn’s Answer
Christina,
Great question and glad to see that you found a path to getting into college. There can be several strategies that can be put in place, and most colleges and corporations do sponsor activities for outreach to underserved communities, however, they do so based on advocacy from students (such as yourself) or professionals at their jobs.
Some ideas include:
- Community Partnerships: Collaborate with your school /college or local businesses to create programs that provide resources, and mentorship.
- Financial Support: access to scholarships, grants, and financial aid that are available
- Support Networks: Establish networks and peer mentoring programs that connect students with role models and professionals
Many colleges do tend to have these type of affiliations or organizations in place. If yours does not, perhaps you can find a way to get them to start a program.
There are several organizations that can help with outreach that I have listed here, particularly for the STEM field, but I am sure that there are other similar organizations in other areas as well.
Advancing Indigenous People in STEM: https://aises.org
Society for Hispanics in STEM: https://shpe.org
National Society for Black Engineers in STEM: https://nsbe.org
Great question and glad to see that you found a path to getting into college. There can be several strategies that can be put in place, and most colleges and corporations do sponsor activities for outreach to underserved communities, however, they do so based on advocacy from students (such as yourself) or professionals at their jobs.
Some ideas include:
- Community Partnerships: Collaborate with your school /college or local businesses to create programs that provide resources, and mentorship.
- Financial Support: access to scholarships, grants, and financial aid that are available
- Support Networks: Establish networks and peer mentoring programs that connect students with role models and professionals
Many colleges do tend to have these type of affiliations or organizations in place. If yours does not, perhaps you can find a way to get them to start a program.
There are several organizations that can help with outreach that I have listed here, particularly for the STEM field, but I am sure that there are other similar organizations in other areas as well.
MaryAnn recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
You have internet access, which is a great start. Use it to learn and explore different careers. There are many opportunities worldwide, and you can find out how to pursue any career you like. Everyone deserves to achieve their dreams, and with effort, you can become what you want. There are scholarships and sponsorships available for hardworking students, so keep pushing forward.