Students' struggles with college mental health services are leading to some important changes, as WireTap's Annie Robinson reports.

A college education strongly affects whether or not children from poor or low-income families move up the economic ladder when they become adults. But they are less likely to enroll in either two- or four-year colleges, and less likely to complete a degree when they do, relative to those from middle- and upper-income families — even after accounting for differences in academic preparation. We review current federal efforts to help low-income students attend college, and recommend new policies that would improve their academic preparation, provide more effective guidance on selecting and paying for college, and improve retention and graduation rates.

The federal college loan program that pays private lenders a generous subsidy to make loans that are guaranteed by the government is an enormous waste of money thathas long served more to enrich lenders than to help students. A bill introduced by Representative George Miller, a Democrat of California, would end the unnecessary private lending subsidies and plow the savings into important education programs. The bill, for example, devotes $40 billion to the all-important Pell grant program, which has allowed millions of poor and working-class students to attend college.

For more information about the struggles students face with paying for college:

The DREAM Act Shouldn't Languish : A June 23, 2009 New York Times editorial put a human face on the struggles of students arriving in America as children and graduating high school only to face huge barriers imposed by their undocumented status. The editorial argued that the DREAM Act could open doors for these young people and should not be held hostage to larger immigration reform dreams.

Graduating with Debt? Today Counts: July 1, 2009 is a big day for student loans. The U.S. Department of Education reports good news about students needing loans, from locking in lower interest rates on previous student loans to increases in Pell Grant awards for current students.

The Education Department says student aid applications are being redesigned to be simpler and easier to use.

On July 16, 2009, Senators Jim Webb, Sherrod Brown, and Representatives Patrick Kennedy and Ruben Hinojosa introduced the "Adult Education and Economic Growth Act of 2009" ( S. 1468 and H.R. 3238). This legislation would invest in workforce development, education, and training to prepare adults to participate in the changing workforce.

On July 14, 2009, President Obama unveiled the American Graduation Initiative, a plan to raise graduation rates, improve facilities, and develop new technology. The plan would allow colleges to improve remedial and adult education programs and integrate developmental classes into academic and vocational classes and provide comprehensive personalized services to help students plan their careers and stay in school.

A new report from the Center for American Progress explores how policymakers can strengthen the nation's postsecondary education program to help working adults who need additional education to get ahead. It suggests increasing class-schedule flexibility, offering credits and credentials in addition to traditional degrees.

Today's college graduates are saddled with high debts and poor job prospects, but legislation enacted in 2007 is taking effect just in time to help. Thanks to the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, federal student-loan payments can be adjusted for income, those in public-service jobs can have their loans forgiven after 10 years of payments and Pell Grants will rise to $5,350 this fall, reports the Washington Times, featuring the work of Mobilize.org and other advocacy groups.

July 1, 2009 was a big day for student loans. The U.S. Department of Education reports good news about students needing loans, from locking in lower interest rates on previous student loans to increases in Pell Grant awards for current students.

Community colleges across the country are struggling to meet an unprecedented surge in enrollment, largely driven by the economy—even as states are slashing funds needed to serve these students. The Obama administration has unveiled a two-pronged plan to sustain community colleges and measure their effectiveness. CFK's Maria Allen joined a July 14 teleconference with White House officials to bring you the scoop.