How are students supposed to know where to start when applying to college? Once they arrive, how do they continue navigating complex institutional systems and advocating for themselves? For many students—especially first-generation students, English language learners, and adult learners—higher education can feel like an overwhelming maze of unfamiliar terminology, decentralized services, and bureaucratic roadblocks. Without clear guidance, students may struggle to access the support they need, impacting their ability to enroll, persist, and succeed in college.

Join us for a webinar on March 25, 2025 at 1pm EST, exploring how libraries can play a pivotal role in supporting student success by fostering college literacy and college fluency.

College literacy refers to the knowledge base students need before entering higher education—understanding how to apply, what financial aid options exist, and what college expectations look like. Without this foundational knowledge, prospective students may miss critical deadlines, misunderstand their financial obligations, or struggle with enrollment decisions.

College fluency, on the other hand, is the ability to effectively navigate college services, programs, and resources once enrolled. It empowers students to engage with their institution, locate needed services, and advocate for themselves in an often confusing system.

These concepts are at the core of two ongoing IMLS-funded research projects that seek to reshape how public and community college libraries support students beyond academic resources.

In this webinar, Africa Hands, jean amaral, and I will discuss how libraries can help close achievement gaps by improving institutional navigation supports. Attendees will have the opportunity to assess their own institutions’ approaches to college literacy and fluency. This hands-on session will help participants identify key action steps to implement at their own institutions, ensuring they are better equipped to support students holistically.

Don’t miss this opportunity on March 25, 2025 at 1pm EST to learn how libraries can bridge critical information gaps and empower students to thrive in higher education! Register now to secure your spot.