Excelsior College’s President’s Committee on Inclusion (PCI) Hosts Free Screening of “Unlikely” on October 29
A Discussion on Higher Education Obstacles Will Follow Film
Albany, NY –Excelsior College’s President’s Committee on Inclusion (PCI) will host a free public screening of the two-hour documentary film “Unlikely,” on Tuesday, October 29 at 3 p.m. at 7 Columbia Circle in Albany, N.Y. By focusing on the experiences of five students from different parts of the country, of different ages, and with different backgrounds, the film showcases the obstacles many face to complete a college degree. Following the movie, Excelsior College will host a discussion on obstacles to pursuing higher education. The film opens in New York City on October 18 and will be shown in select cities. Cities in the Capital Region are not among those slated for the film, according to the film’s website.
“Unlikely” tells the stories of individuals from the cities of Akron, Atlanta, Boston, and Los Angeles, who were failed by the higher education system and their fight for a second chance at opportunity. This film helps to foster better understanding of the barriers students face in pursuit of an education and meaningful career. The students in the documentary are parents, youth who are not in school or in the labor market, full-time employees, immigrants, and first-time degree seekers. Watch a 2-minute trailer for the film.
Did you know in the United States, less than 50 percent of students—35 million Americans—started college and didn’t finish. Excelsior College focuses on helping adult learners complete their degrees. The College contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving adult learners and individuals historically underrepresented in higher education—the same population represented in the film.
According to the Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all, the United States lags behind its global competitors in the attainment of post-secondary degrees. “America currently ranks a disappointing 11th in global post-secondary attainment, but the pace of attainment among younger adults is even more troubling. The students we once called nontraditional are no longer the exception in postsecondary education … they are the rule.”
In addition, a College Board report indicates earning a bachelor’s degree increased median annual earnings by $16,100. Post-secondary education has advantages such as employer health insurance and pension coverage.
If you would like to attend the free film screening, RSVP by Friday, October 25.
For more information on the film, visit www.unlikelyfilm.com
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Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu (518) 464-8531
ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, nonprofit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are – academically and geographically – removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.
