Improving student success must be a major long-term goal for EOF and participating institutions. Greater emphasis must be placed on connecting education with the world of work. Accountability must be a core component of the Board's planning for the future. The Board will annually request funding levels to ensure the integrity of program services, maintain the Fund's fiscal partnership with the institutions, and preserve college affordability. A priority for future funding requests and allocations should be targeted to specific initiatives aimed at improving EOF student transfer, graduation, and preparation for majors in which EOF students are underrepresented, as well as recognition of institutional commitment and success and student performance.
Serious attention needs to be devoted to the annual student award levels.
Affordability is eroding in light of rapidly increasing costs of attendance, which are outpacing student assistance funding.