Miami University joins local colleges pledging to eliminate education equity gap

Miami University, along with Northern Kentucky University and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, announced an alliance to close equity gaps in higher education.

The “Moon Shot for Equity” program is a national initiative created by the Education Advisory Board (EAB), an education firm designed to help historically underserved populations graduate from college.

According to a press release given by EAB, less than half of all Black and Latinx students earn their undergraduate degree within six years of college, compared to around 70% of white students. Moon Shot for Equity’s goal is to close this gap by 2030.

Under the Moon Shot partnership, each school has committed to implementing measures tested by EAB that remove barriers to student success. Some examples listed in the press release include updating academic policies and providing equity-mindedness training to university leaders.

Member universities will also receive technology from EAB to help advisors track student progress and let them know when to help or congratulate important milestones and goals. The partnership will last five years.

But the job doesn’t end there. Local universities are also encouraged to connect with local high schools and community-based organizations to share their initiatives.

The announcement was unveiled during a morning press conference in Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, in which a panel of representatives from each school spoke.

Among Miami’s representatives was President Greg Crawford, who shared the importance he thought the partnership could bring to the university.

“Eliminating equity gaps in education is one of the most important things we can accomplish,” Crawford said. “Miami University is honored to partner with other higher education institutions to make a commitment to providing equity-minded educational experiences, advancing student success, and serving as a model for other colleges and universities around the globe.”

Moon Shot originally started in Oct. 2020 with the inaugural region of Wisconsin. On Wednesday, the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region and Southeastern Pennsylvania regions were added to the program.

@simmons_taj

simmontp@miamioh.edu