Tulsa Higher Education Consortium – Elevating Opportunities
Navigating the pathway to higher education can be daunting, and the challenges overwhelming with many obstacles along the way. Area students advantageously have a guide on their side, providing invaluable resources to align them with success on their journey.
The Tulsa Higher Education Consortium (THE Consortium) is a nonprofit organization charged with providing area students necessary tools to advance student learning, improve student success and degree completion, and achieve equity in outcomes. By working collaboratively with local colleges and universities, THE Consortium strives to meet the needs of the workforce by increasing educational opportunities in the Tulsa area. Their recent merger with Young People of the Next Generation (YPNG) furthers this mission by assisting with financial aid applications, basic needs assistance and more to support student success and degree completion.
The organization provides an online gateway of opportunities for students to explore, including a listing of partner higher education institutions, scholarship/financial aid information, degree programs, career guidance and other comprehensive elements for achievement. Transfer resources from 2-year accreditation to bachelor’s degree programs are a primary target for the organization.
Invaluable Resources
“In today’s economy, a bachelor’s degree is a critical key to unlocking a higher level of income, financial mobility, the ability to earn more and to get a job that won’t become obsolete with the advance of technology,” said Dr. Laura Latta, executive director of THE Consortium. “We work to align our institutions to create opportunities for collaboration, mindful that there isn’t one profile that fits one student. Whether fresh out of high school, an older individual seeking a job change or a degree for the first time, our online resources help to navigate higher education more easily.”
In partnership with nine colleges and universities in Northeast Oklahoma, their multifaceted programming is proving to be an invaluable resource for students in the area. “One thing we take great pride in since we launched the initiative is that transfer rates were really low in the past, and now Oklahoma is one of the top five states in successful transfers,” Dr. Latta proclaimed. “About 60% of students transfer at some point in their college career. It’s become a part of almost everyone’s higher education experience.”
The Goal
Ensuring a smooth transition without loss of credits or time is paramount, ultimately attaining the goal of increasing the number of bachelor’s degrees in the Tulsa area.
“The integration of our successful programs will let us more effectively address the urgent need to increase the percentage of area high school graduates who get a postsecondary education,” said Bill Langdon, YPNG’s Founder, emphasizing the importance of a workforce to compete with future economic and technological growth. Ultimately, their goal is to “increase attainment rates, support workforce development and contribute to the region’s economic growth.”
For more information on THE Consortium and expanded programming through Young People of the Next Generation, visit their website at tulsahighered.com. Find more information, news and events on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
