As colleges and universities defend their value and affordability under increasing public and political skepticism, one national nonprofit believes that its simple solution can recharge the sector’s brand.
Complete College America has released a free photo library showcasing candid shots of campus community members to demystify higher education by revealing it in its modern light.
No longer just the young, full-time student relaxing on the quad, higher ed’s predominant demographic now encompasses caregivers, working adults and students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
For example, 615 colleges and universities have been designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions, where Hispanics make up a quarter of full-time equivalent enrollment. HSIs also enroll more than 65% of all Hispanic undergraduates in the country.
“The way we depict students—regardless of the medium—has to evolve beyond the outdated stereotypes of the past,” said Yolanda Watson Spiva, president of Complete College America. “This project is about shifting the visual narrative to match the realities.”
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The photo library features nearly 1,000 images captured across several higher education institutions, including Bergen Community College in New Jersey, College of Northern New Mexico, College of Southern Nevada, Salish Kootenai College in Montana, Pasadena City College, Tougaloo College in Mississippi, and the University of Indianapolis.
Complete College America hopes representation across HBCUs, tribal colleges and community colleges will show media, researchers and advocates what campuses really look like today.
“We’re trying to change how people see, and therefore understand, how higher education has a deeper influence,” says Brandon Protas, interim vice president of alliance engagement, research and innovation at Complete College America.
Protas also believes the photo library can raise awareness about career and technical education, such as training in HVAC or nursing, and the numerous credentials students can pursue, besides a bachelor’s degree. Nationally, over 40% of students enrolled in postsecondary education attend community colleges.
“It’s not a hierarchy of one to another, but instead it’s a spectrum,” Protas says. “Very often, though, it’s not recognized in that way.”
