PALMS (Postsecondary Access for Latino Middle-Grades Students)

The PALMS (Postsecondary Access for Latino Middle-Grades Students) project seeks to increase the number of Latino students who pursue education beyond high school.

Specifically, PALMS:

• Develops practical, research-based resources to assist practitioners in their efforts to promote Latino postsecondary enrollment
• Seeks to impact the work of secondary schools, college access programs, and community-based organizations that serve Latino students and their families
• Focuses on the middle grades-youth ages 10 to 14-because it is during this time that students make choices and develop the knowledge and skills that can take them through high school and beyond
• Provides online and face-to-face training to school leaders working to strengthen their family outreach programs

In 2004, EDC and its partners, LNESC and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, came together to launch the PALMS project. EDC continues to lead this work. LNESC has remained involved in identifying new school districts that can benefit from PALMS products and services. And the National Forum has assisted with dissemination efforts through its large network of schools and organizations.