#1. Focus on Corequisite and Supplemental Instruction
Higher education and K-12 are working together to develop and implement strategies that focus on better preparing high school students for success in college. Activities include strategic GEAR UP partnerships with school districts, targeting under-represented populations for concurrent enrollment, promoting math courses in the 12th grade, and aligning math curriculum in high school and college-level courses.
#2. Strengthen Pathways to College Certificates and Degrees
Our colleges and universities are implementing programs that create clear pathways to certificates and degrees, including creating multiple pathways based on groupings of majors, reverse transfer between community colleges and universities, creation of meaningful certificates as part of another degree, proactive student advisement, implementing flat-rate tuition structures to encourage students to take 15 or more credit hours to decrease time-to-degree, and continuing cooperative agreement programs with technology centers through assessments, contractual arrangements, and limited technical course transfer.
#3. Increase Adult Degree Completion
The Reach Higher FlexFinish and DirectComplete programs provide degree completion opportunities for adults who have some college credit, but have not completed an associate or bachelor’s degree. The FlexFinish program offers flexible class options and enrollment to meet the needs of working adults pursuing a Reach Higher associate or bachelor’s degree. Reach Higher DirectComplete, funded by a grant from Lumina Foundation and delivered in partnership with businesses, tribes, workforce agencies and nonprofits, offers comprehensive services and support to adult students returning to pursue degree programs that lead to employment in Oklahoma’s critical occupations.