ASAP Plan
Work with Chicago Public Schools High School counselors and college coaches to identify interested candidates who are committed to college and would benefit from this program.
Provide encouragement for students to stay in school and believe in themselves. Uplift the possibilities that come with a college degree, and support student success into sophomore year.
Expect scholars to take at least 12 hours of credits per term and maintain at least a C average as documented by an unofficial transcript with personal information displayed.
$500 payments are made twice a year (Fall and Spring semesters or Fall and Winter quarters) for unrestricted needs.
Expect correspondence from a scholar's college email to our ASAP email. (No personal emails)
Use the industry-standard Zelle® for easy, immediate, and direct payments using scholar’s checking account to promote financial management.
Establish on-going events to network scholars in Austin.
Seek college and career mentors for scholars, as available.
Expand on-line communications with website, newsletter, & Google Group.
Preventing College Dropout
Rate Statistics from Education Data Initiative as of August 16, 2024 https://educationdata.org/college-dropout-rates
College dropout rates indicate that 39% of first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree seeking students do not complete their degree program within 8 years.
First-time full-time undergraduate freshmen have a 12-month dropout rate of 23.3%.
41.9 million Americans were college dropouts as of July 2022; 943,169 of them re-enrolled that fall.
College dropouts make an average of 35% less income than bachelor’s degree holders.
College dropouts are 20% more likely to be unemployed than any degree holder.
41% of first-generation college students have seriously considered leaving school or are at risk of dismissal.
Until 24 years old, women exhibit higher rates of dropout, whereas, after the age of 25, men tend to be more prevalent in their dropout rate.
Asian students make up 2.6% of all dropouts, which is the third lowest among ethnic demographics.
Native American students make up 1.0% of all dropouts, which is the second lowest among ethnic demographics.
Black students make up 14.1% of all dropouts.
White students make up the largest group of all dropouts, at 32.9% compared to all other college dropouts.
Workers with some college but no degree (SCNC) have a 3.3% unemployment rate, which is 10.0% higher than the national average.
Workers aged 25 and over with some college but no degree make an average of $992 weekly, which is 17.9% less than the average worker.
Workers aged 25 and older with some college but no degree make 6.7% less than associate’s degree holders on average.
Workers aged 25 and older with a bachelor's degree make 86% more than high school diploma only.
Workers with bachelor’s degrees make a 50.5% higher income than SCNC workers.
Illinois College Dropout Rates
Rate Statistics from Education Data Initiative as of August 16, 2024 https://educationdata.org/college-dropout-rates
The college dropout or SCND (some college with no degree) rate in Illinois is just above the national average.
1,631,475 of Illinois residents are SCNC.
New Illinois dropouts make up 4.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Illinois make up 5.0% of the national completer population.
559,019 students enrolled in college in Illinois in 2022-2023.
4.4% of all college dropouts live in Illinois.
6,132 SCNCs under 25, 11,007 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,075 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,734 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out.
Analysis: Why Are Students Leaving College?
Students who drop out of college may do so because of finances, lack of time, lack of support, or high academic standards. 42% of college dropouts indicate they left due to financial reasons, while 32% indicate they left for family reasons or commitments. Of students who were enrolled but seriously considering leaving college, about half said it is difficult to afford college (53%) and related expenses (50%). 41% of those who dropped out said additional financial resources would have helped them stay.
Other potential reasons students drop out include academic difficulties or lack of support. 26% of students who dropped out said that academic challenges contributed to leaving, while 22% said that mental health challenges were a factor. Students who dropped out or who were seriously considering leaving college were less likely to have family encouragement to attend college. In addition, 41% of first-generation college students have seriously considered leaving school or are at risk of dismissal.
