Far too few minority students pursue or complete their education beyond high school. Instead of dreaming about where they want to attend college, or what they want to study, many believe the cost of a degree is beyond their means.

Tragically, minorities who do enroll in college graduate at lower rates than their white peers.

In a study released by the  Wisconsin HOPE Lab and the Association of Community College Trustees half of community college students reported they lack secure housing; a staggering 13-14% said they are homeless.

Across the country, more than 200 local and state leaders have launched free community college programs to make higher education more affordable and accessible. And many are adding features to ensure that students not only get to college but also complete their studies.

The Detroit Promise Path provides a broad range of mentoring and other social services to boost the success of students enrolled in the Detroit Promise, a free community college program that’s been underway since 2013.

The City of Oakland wants to triple the number of college graduates within the next decade. That’s why the East Bay College Fund partnered with the City to launch the Oakland Promise,making community college free for their students.

Read the full article on minority college students by Maya White at Forbes