Expanding Opportunity for Lower-Income Students Three Years of the American Talent Initiative Cover image courtesy of Colby College and Ed Collier Photography Acknowledgments The American Talent Initiative, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is co-managed by The Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R. If your college or university is interested in joining the American Talent Initiative, please email Benjamin Fresquez (
[email protected]). The Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices, policies, and Authors: leadership that significantly improve Emily Schwartz, Martin Kurzweil, Cindy Le, Tania LaViolet, Linda Perlstein, Elizabeth student outcomes. The program is part Davidson Pisacreta, and Josh Wyner of The Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Acknowledgments: • The 128 members of the American Talent Initiative, especially the staff who set their goals, collected and submitted their data, and participated in numerous conversations and meetings. • The members on the ATI steering committee who provide consistent leadership and Ithaka S+R is a not-for-profit service that strategic guidance on the direction of the American Talent Initiative. provides research and strategic guidance • William E. “Brit” Kirwan, chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland, to help the academic and cultural for his vision and leadership in the planning for and launch of the American Talent communities serve the public good and Initiative. navigate economic, technological, and demographic change. Ithaka S+R is part • The staff of the Aspen Institute and Ithaka S+R who devote their time and energy to of ITHAKA.