Today's world demands that educational systems support high achievement and the development of lifelong learning skills for all students, regardless of background. A comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed to reach the large numbers of underserved students who, with equal learning opportunities, encouragement, and support, are capable of preparing for and succeeding in college.

A Research-based Structure for Thinking about Change

The PCN Action Framework is a set of interactive, research-based best practices that provide a comprehensive approach for ensuring that all students will be prepared to successfully undertake postsecondary work.

The Pathways to College Network spent three years scanning, analyzing, synthesizing, and conducting research around college readiness, access, and success. The resulting call-to-action publication, A Shared Agenda, is the road map for accelerating national progress on college preparation and access. The PCN Framework and College Readiness for All toolbox describe the actionable steps that you can take whether you are an elected official, school principal or counselor, outreach practitioner, or university admissions staff.

A New Definition of College Readiness

All students deserve the opportunity to graduate from high school and to participate successfully in work and education after high school. The Pathways to College Network recognizes that solving the needs of students at each transition point in the pipeline between kindergarten and college is critical. Resources and mission dictate that the Network focus on the critical transition from high school to the world of work and postsecondary education. The Pathways to College Network defines "college" as any certified career and technical program, two-year or four-year community college, or college or university program. Efforts by school and college outreach practitioners must focus on improving and expanding the capacity of schools, outreach programs, community-based initiatives, and colleges and universities to ensure that underserved students achieve successfully at the postsecondary level.