Join the Pell Institute on Wednesday, October 16, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET for the release of the its new study on the value of postsecondary education, supported by the Lumina Foundation. Learn why Black, Latinx, and Indigenous TRIO students believe college is worth the financial investment. The webinar will feature key findings on college credentials, identity, and institutional characteristics, followed by a dynamic panel discussion. The Pell Institute student advisory board will share insights, connecting research to real-world implications for higher education professionals.

Key findings include:

• Challenges and Costs: Despite financial and personal challenges, students viewed their degrees as essential for future stability, community impact, and personal growth.
• Career Development and Networks: Participation in student organizations and TRIO programs helped students expand their understanding of postsecondary benefits, particularly regarding career mobility and social change.
• Pre-College Influences: Messages from family and educators prior to college enrollment played a pivotal role in shaping students’ expectations and commitment to higher education.
• Identity and Belonging: Students’ racial and ethnic identities amplified the value they placed on their education, but also contributed to experiences of exclusion and isolation in academic settings.