Feb. 19-20, 2010
Washington, D.C.

President Barack Obama has issued an ambitious goal: for the United States to once again lead the world in college attainment, by 2020. Though some programs show promise, college graduation is still out of reach for many Americans, for academic, financial and institutional reasons.

To meet the 2020 goal, community colleges and four-year institutions will have to graduate far more of the large numbers of poor, minority and unprepared students who enter their classrooms each year--and will have to get more such students in those doors in the first place. Initiatives will require cash-strapped states and schools to find their ways around huge funding gaps.

Do schools have the incentive to step up their game? Will students meet the challenge?

The Education Writers Association will discuss these issues and more at Miles to Go: College Completion under the Obama Plan, a seminar for reporters and editors.

Speakers include:

• Cheryl Blanco, Southern Regional Education Board
• Kevin Carey, Education Sector
  
• Anthony Carnevale, Georgetown University
• Richard Kazis, Jobs for the Future
• Demi Michelau, WICHE
• Tom Rudin, The College Board
  
• Allen Sessoms, University of the District of Columbia
  
• Robert Shireman, U.S. Department of Education
• Hal Smith, National Urban League
  

The keynote session will explore measures to make college more affordable and the feasibility of the Obama goal that every American commit to at least one year of higher education or advanced training.

Other sessions include:

• Back to Basics: Fixing remedial education 
• Models of Success: Helping students succeed at minority-serving institutions 
• The Other Gender Gap: Male students in crisis
• Using IPEDS data and other sources

EWA can provide fellowships for journalists to cover hotel expenses and up to $300 in airfare. The seminar will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Washington, DC. EWA will make hotel reservations for fellowship recipients.