Here are some new resources and news for the field of higher education.

‘Born to Win, Schooled to Lose’  Data point to the intersection of race and class in who gets ahead educationally—regardless of academic talent. (Inside Higher Ed)

Illinois Lawmakers Approve Expanding MAP Grant Eligibility  Illinois’ MAP grants—the monetary award program for low-income college students—would be available to more students if a bill approved by the legislature this month becomes law.

Low-Income and Minority Students Are Growing Share of Enrollments, and 2 Other Takeaways From New Study  A growing number of undergraduates come from low-income families, especially at less-selective colleges, according to a new analysis by the Pew Research Center. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

The Higher Education Desert  Research shows that the farther someone lives from a public college, the less likely they are to pursue a degree.

Pivoting to adults for workforce needs  In Virginia, community college leaders are, in part, following population trends to help determine where to focus when it comes to workforce development and other services.  With an impending decline of traditional college-age students and an increase of state residents ages 25 to 44, Virginia’s community colleges are developing programs to better serve older adults, especially those in rural areas. Ignoring this population—especially as employers are desperate for skilled workers—would be negligent, said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System.

Illinois State Profile State profiles for the data visualization and 50-State Comparison on postsecondary governance structures summarize information about coordinating boards/agencies and governing boards, administrative/service agencies, advisory groups and membership organizations. The most in-depth information is provided for statewide and major postsecondary systemwide coordinating boards/agencies and governing boards.

More on the College Dropout Crisis  A reader offered some friendly criticism. Here is the result.

Non-Degree Credentials Boost Employment and Life Outcomes  American adults who have earned certificates or certifications, but lack a college degree, still report better employment and life outcomes than individuals with no credentials, according to a new report from Strada Education Network and Lumina Foundation. (Campus Technology)