• up to
    0%
    of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor's degree.
  • 0%
    of these students will transfer to four-year institutions.
  • 0%
    will graduate with a bachelor's degree within six years of starting college.

Creating conditions for improvements in community college transfer that are scalable and measurable to achieve greater equity for students from low-income households and students of color.

While successful transfer is critical to fostering social mobility, of the students who enter community college intending to get a bachelor’s degree, few ever do. From 2018 to 2021, the Tackling Transfer project set out to tackle this persistent problem. Led by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen), HCM Strategists (HCM), and Sova, the Tackling Transfer partnership incorporated policy, practice, research, and strategic communications from across three states — Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia — and across the country. The Tackling Transfer Policy Advisory Board joined higher education leaders and policymakers to challenge the status quo and make clear recommendations for state transfer policy that led to equitable transfer student outcomes. 

Find information on the lessons learned from this collaborative effort in the resources below.

Research & Tools

Working with higher education leaders in Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia, the Tackling Transfer Partners developed resources and tools drawing from research, policy, and practice to reform transfer systems and improve transfer student success at the state and institutional levels.

State Partners

The Tackling Transfer partners worked with Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia — three states with very different policy landscapes — to learn what makes strong transfer practices in a range of circumstances.

Policy Advisory Board

The Tackling Transfer Policy Advisory Board will challenge the status quo and make strong and clear recommendations for state transfer policy that will lead to equitable transfer student outcomes.

Beyond Transfer Blog

Our essays featured in Inside Higher Ed share tools and lessons for transfer success.

Tackling Transfer Ideas

Additional resources, articles, and op-eds on reforming transfer policy and practice.