American Student Assistance - 2018 Annual Report

asa.org/about ⋅ 2018 Annual Report asa.org/about ⋅ 2018 Annual Report 7 6 A NEW DIRECTION: ASA’S EXPANDED MISSION THE PROBLEM WE ARE ADDRESSING Too many students don’t pursue education after high school, or they fail to attain the credentials needed for long-term success. We believe that making kids aware of their educational and career options earlier in life will close this credentials gap. OUR MISSION ASA helps students know themselves, know their options, and make informed choices to achieve their education and career goals. We fulfill our mission by providing tools and resources to students online , in classrooms , and through community-based organizations . Our work begins in middle school , helping students: 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Drop out of high school No post-secondary plans Pursue 2-year degree Pursue 4-year degree 513K 14% 948K 26% 742K 20% 1,444K 40% 3.6 million are high school graduation age in 2016 $ EXPLORE EXPERIMENT EXECUTE Challenge addressed: Most middle school students have limited knowledge of personal characteristics, interests, aptitudes, and skills and how they relate to post-secondary and career options. Challenge addressed: Most early high school students have a shallow understanding of how school relates to post-secondary and career goals and limited awareness of the requisite knowledge and skills. Challenge addressed: 70% of students of high school graduation age drop out or are not expected to complete a post-secondary degree. Outcome: Students should “know themselves.” Outcome: Students should “know their options.” Outcome: Students should “make informed choices” regarding their futures. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics ASA’s innovative programs and partnerships, combined with a robust research agenda and advocacy platform, enable us to provide meaningful impact to young people on a national scale.