State forms higher ed panel to boost access

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state of Missouri is looking for experts in access to college to serve on a new panel. The Missouri Department of Higher Education is taking nominations for the new College Access Advisory Committee.

The panel will help the state agency try to boost Missouri's college-attainment rates, including among minorities and those with financial struggles.

Its members could include financial aid officers and high school guidance counselors. The committee would have between 16 and 24 members and meet twice a year.

The effort coincides with a state push to increase the percentage of Missourians with a college degree or comparable professional certificate from 46 percent to 60 percent. Information is available at dhe.mo.gov.