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For many Patrick County young people, college
attendance is either an unreachable, distant dream or something
never considered. Only 8.6% of the County’s 25
years of age and older population has a bachelor’s degree
or higher; fewer than 14% have an associates degree or higher.
With numbers like these, it is little wonder that college
attendance among our high school seniors has lagged behind other areas
of the state—our young people have few role models for college attendance.
In addition to lacking role models, many young people and
their families believe college to be beyond their reach, both
culturally and financially. Beliefs like
these easily discourage young people and their parents from
even considering college.
These are beliefs the Patrick County Education
Foundation must help change if we are to raise education
attainment levels in our County. Our first step was the
launch of the Foundation’s College Access Program in October
2001. Through success in this program, we can increase the
percentage of County high school graduates who continue their
education after high school.
Our College Access Program is a successful partnership
between the Foundation, Patrick County Public Schools and the administration
and guidance staff at each of the County’s seven schools.
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