* 284 colleges and universities highlighted for their outreach efforts, financial aid opportunities and student support services
* A 4 step plan to college developed by partners, KnowHow2GO
* Articles and advice from college students and other experts
* Valuable information for parents and mentors, including a new Spanish-language section

Bowie State News July 29, 2010 Bowie State Featured in 2011 College Access & Opportunity Guide College guidebook uniquely targets low-income, first-generation college-bound students BOWIE, Md.-Young people in all socioeconomic groups have college aspirations. In fact, eight out of 10 expect to attain a bachelor's degree or higher, according to the U.S. Department of Education. But despite these aspirations, low-income students and those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education are severely underrepresented on college campuses. According to the College Board, high-achieving students from low-income families have about the same chance of enrolling in college as low-achieving students from wealthier families. And even worse, those who do make it to college are not finding supportive college environments or graduating. A recent USA Today article notes that 89 percent of low-income, first-generation students leave college within six years without a degree. Bowie State University is working to change this trend and has been recognized in Center for Student Opportunity's 2011 College Access & Opportunity Guide, a comprehensive college guidebook designed to help low-income, first-generation college-bound students make their college dreams a reality. "We are proud to be profiled in the 2011 College Access & Opportunity Guide," stated Don Kiah, assistant vice president for enrollment management at Bowie State. "This provides a significant opportunity to showcase Bowie State University's quality programs, affordable cost, comprehensive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities to prospective parents and students, assisting them in realizing their dreams of obtaining a college education." Published by Sourcebooks, a leader in college guides and study aids, the 2011 College Access & Opportunity Guide is significant breakthrough in arming students and their supporters with the necessary information to pursue and succeed in college. "As the director of TRIO, a program designed to assist low-income, first-generation college-bound students, at Bowie State University, I am especially excited about the partnership with the Center for Student Opportunity and the profile in the 2011 College Access & Opportunity Guide," said Monica Turner, director of BSU TRIO-Student Support Services. "These opportunities, combined with the recent Walmart Minority Student Success Award granted to the university, will significantly enhance our efforts to enroll, retain and graduate our students." The Guide features: * 284 colleges and universities highlighted for their outreach efforts, financial aid opportunities and student support services * A 4 step plan to college developed by partners, KnowHow2GO * Articles and advice from college students and other experts * Valuable information for parents and mentors, including a new Spanish-language section "We want to show students and their supporters that the opportunity for college is there," said Matt Rubinoff, Executive Director of Center for Student Opportunity. "The 2011 College Access & Opportunity Guide is a special resource that provides guidance through the college process and delivers important information on college programs aimed to serve low-income, first-generation college students." About Bowie State University Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds who seek a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The University places special emphasis on the science, technology, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit the website at http://www.bowiestate.edu/. About Center for Student Opportunity Center for Student Opportunity (CSO) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting higher education opportunities for first-generation and other historically underserved college-bound students. CSO programs serve colleges and universities, counselors, and community-based organizations in support of their college access goals. More information about CSO is available at http://www.csopportunity.org/. About KnowHow2GO KnowHow2GO is a national public service campaign designed to inform young people about the actual steps they need to take to make their college dreams a reality. The campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and interactive advertising. It is sponsored nationally by the American Council on Education, Lumina Foundation for Education and the Ad Council. For more information visit KnowHow2GO.org. About Sourcebooks Sourcebooks is a forward-thinking, independent publishing house with a passion for books and a dedication to the belief that books change lives. We are committed to innovative publishing, where every book is personal and every author's voice has a place. We are a group of passionate, energetic and enthusiastic book lovers, and we are committed to helping readers experience each book. Sourcebooks stands today as the largest woman-owned independent book publisher in North America.