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© Oregon University System, 2007
A higher level of educational attainment for all Oregonians is critical to positioning the state as a leader in the information age and global economy. The most effective modern economies will be those that produce the most information and knowledge. Postsecondary education has become the gateway to economic opportunity today, just as a high school diploma used to be twenty years ago. Many of the best-paying jobs with the brightest future for career advancement require training beyond high school or a college degree.
The challenge for Oregon is clear. But so is the solution. Evidence shows consistently and over time that cities, states and countries that invest heavily in education and skills benefit economically and socially from that choice. Yet, the rapid rise of college tuition and fees without a corresponding increase in student financial assistance has created an opportunity and affordability gap in Oregon. This "gap" is the difference between what a student can afford to pay and what a student must pay to go to college. Action is needed to reduce the financial barriers to getting a college education for those who aspire to go.
The Access and Affordability Working Group (AAWG) is comprised of Board members, voting external members, and non-voting resource specialists representing diverse public college, private college, community college, business, community, and philanthropy perspectives. The AAWG intends to make and keep a promise to every qualified Oregonian: you will have a spot in a community college or university in Oregon.
The Access and Affordability Working Group defined the following goals and objectives in Spring 2004:
Since the group convened, the AAWG activities have fallen into two phases, Phase I, focused on the 2005 legislative session, and Phase II, currently in progress and focused on policy development for the 2007 legislative session. For details, go to Committee Work.
The AAWG is in the process of developing a proposal for increasing need-based financial aid for students entering postsecondary education for a first undergraduate degree or certificate.
Options are being explored for financially supporting students. Because a college education is a major investment, Oregonians share the responsibility for providing the resources needed for students to complete a degree or certificate program. This responsibility involves appropriate contributions by various partners: the student, the family, state and federal governments, employers, and philanthropic organizations.