WASHINGTON, DC -- A strong advocate of affordable and accessible higher education for all, Congressman Chaka Fattah will address the issue of college retention when he speaks to attendees at the Educational Policy Institute Retention 2008 Conference in San Diego, California today.

Student retention is an expensive and complex issue. Currently, half of all college students who enter “to learn” fail to realize their dream of earning a degree. The reasons vary from financial to a shift in the academic goals of the student.  The impact however is the same. Failure to earn a college degree results in fewer career opportunities, lower salaries and less job security.

Congressman Chaka Fattah, architect of GEAR UP, a program designed to increase the number of low income students who are well prepared to enter and succeed in college says, “It’s disturbing that our children are leaving school not fully educated and prepared to be active participants in our global economy.  We must do a better job at retaining and graduating students.”

WHO:   Congressman Chaka Fattah
WHAT:  Delivers Keynote Address at Educational Policy Institute Conference
WHERE: Sheraton San Diego Harbor and Marina
  1380 Harbor Island Drive
  San Diego, CA
WHEN: May 28, 2008 @ 5pm 

The conference will bring together the top researchers, policy makers, and professionals involved in student retention. Attendees will gain insight on best practices and develop strategies for successful retention programs.