Framing “at risk” students: Struggles at the boundaries of access to higher education

Access to an education is a social justice issue that requires a new courageous commitment to identifying and eliminating barriers to college success. For first generation, low income and students of color, education is the one remaining single most powerful factor to bring about a different outcome for their lives. This article explores what we can learn from the experience of students at a regional public university designated “at risk” and how to reclaim the place of public college education as an equalizing force in our nation.