College Degree Begins at Home.
Sara Martinez Tucker
 In a nation that's considered the world leader in terms of technological innovation, economic strength and intellectual capital, it is surprising to note that less than 30% of the working population holds a college degree. Even today, many children don't consider college. They may think they're not smart enough. Their families may think they can't afford it. Or parents who didn't go to college may think it's not necessary.
Such thinking, particularly evident among minorities and lower-income families, must change if we are to secure our country's future.
Consider this: By 2010, one in five high school age youths will be Hispanic. But the educational progress of Hispanics has stalled. Latino students' SAT scores remain well below those of their non-Hispanic white and Asian American counterparts. Just slightly more than half of Hispanics have a high school diploma, compared with 84% of the total population. Only a tenth of Latino adults have a college degree; the national average is 26%. And this education gap is only expected to widen during the next 10 years.
For the sake of these children's futures, and for the sake of this country's economic future, this must change. And it can.
For Hispanics - and all minority and low-income populations - the message begins at home. Parents need to believe that their children can - and should - pursue a college degree, the key to a lifetime of success and benefits. To make this happen, we must educate parents as well as children that economic security comes only with higher education.
Young people also need to know they can succeed in college, that this goal is not beyond their reach. They need more role models and mentors to help guide them through the difficult transition from high school to college, and to celebrate their academic achievements. Finally, their parents need to know that there are ways to alleviate the financial burden of college, that financial aid is available. Businesses and individuals can help these families understand the various sources of support as well as continue to support those important sources of financial aid that do make higher education possible for minority and low-income students.
We can't afford to lose any segment of this generation to low-paying, dead-end jobs. If more minority and Iow-income students find the confidence and the means to attain a college education, all Americans will benefit.
Sara Martinez Tucker is president and CEO of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, a national nonprofit organization, and a member of the board of directors of the Student Loan Marketing Association.
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