Circles Goes Back To School, Pt. 2: Circle Leaders Gain Ground in Education
This fall, Circles USA salutes the many adults in our community of practice for whom education is a long-term goal.
Circles advocates for all people—regardless of schooling and work status— to enjoy equal access to human necessities like food and shelter. We also recognize that education remains a powerful tool for transforming lives. Diplomas, degrees, and professional credentials often build job pathways while leading to greater social and economic stability. Academic achievement can build momentum, for millions of North Americans, towards CUSA’s Big View Policy Platform goals and core values: Community, Transformation, Human Dignity & Worth, Accountability, and Thriving.
In the first of our two-part series on Circles USA and adult education, Circle Leader Samantha Nelson of Circles Salt Lake shared how earning a high school diploma has grown her sense of possibility for herself, her family, and her community.
We wrap the series by celebrating two noteworthy graduations in our national network. And, as a special bonus, we are also previewing our upcoming Supporting Education and Workforce Development one-pager with a bit of data that illustrates a core Big View Policy Platform issue: how education and opportunity go hand-in-hand for families striving to leave poverty behind for good. This tool will add to Circles USA’s growing suite of informational handouts including our Social Capital, Benefits Cliff, and Equity and Democracy One-Pagers—all available for free download now.
Network news: celebrating Circle Leaders in higher ed
Nadia, a beloved Circle Leader with Circles of Jackson County, North Carolina, recently completed the nursing aide program at Southwestern Community College.
“Nadia worked with our Client Services Coordinator, Rachel, to complete job exploration activities,” writes Dawn Neatherly, Executive Director of Circles of Jackson County. “[A]nd then she and her Ally, Mary Anne, researched and secured a full scholarship for an intensive summer CNA course. Nadia began Circles as one of our young adults (18-to-25 year olds). These Circle Leaders seek to begin their adult lives with good habits and support in order to break the cycle of the generational poverty they were raised in. She has already been hired full time, has found safe and affordable housing, and is eager to begin this phase of her life.”
Meanwhile, married partners (and 2025 Leadership Conference keynote speakers) Jason and Raeanna hit a major benchmark by attaining their associate degrees in criminal justice at WVU Parkersburg.
“What an amazing experience,” Jason shared in a public Facebook reel. “52 and getting to graduate.”
Jason and Raeanna have since been admitted to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree program for the 2026-2027 school year!
New study connects education and upward social mobility, but flags inequality
Circles USA knows that diplomas, degrees, professional certifications, and other educational benchmarks matter more than ever to people struggling to make ends meet. Yet those papers—especially ones conferred by colleges and universities—are increasingly priced beyond reach of the Americans who stand to benefit most.
In a May 2026 study, Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States, the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education cites some eye-opening figures. In their words:
A 32 percentage-point gap remains in college participation between students from the highest- and lowest-income quartiles.
Students from low-income families face approximately $20,000 in unmet financial need, while high-income families experience a financial surplus after grants and aid are applied.
College costs have increased 2.5 times since 1974, after adjusting for inflation.
First-generation students in the United States attain tertiary degrees at rates below the OECD average.
Bachelor’s degree attainment continues to vary dramatically by race, income, and parental education levels. [Source]
“Educational opportunity is not only a moral imperative—it is an economic necessity,” says Aaron Brown, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of the Council for Opportunity in Education. “[W]hen students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds receive intentional support, the benefits extend far beyond the individual student. These investments strengthen communities, increase workforce participation, reduce public costs, and improve economic mobility nationwide.”
Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander affirms “Circles USA’s long-held commitment to education and learning as a key to transformation.”
“Throughout our community of practice,” Kris shares, “including our Circle Leaders, volunteers, and staff, education remains a key to building community across lines of difference. Nadia, Jason, and Raeanna are modeling what we stand for: personal wellbeing and economic mobility. Their academic achievements are a reminder that when people have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, they can (and will) achieve their goals and dreams.
Congratulations, Nadia, Jason, and Raeanna! Y'all are leading the way in Circles through your powerful commitment to yourselves and your communities.”
"When people have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, they can (and will) achieve their goals and dreams."
Building Community to End Poverty for 25+ Years
