National research continues to link lower socioeconomic status to lower academic achievement and slower rates of academic progress as compared with higher socioeconomic status communities. Eastern Connecticut State University realized the opportunity to create change in our local community – and initiated a collaborative Dual College Enrollment Program with Quinebaug Valley Community College and the Hartford Public and Manchester High Schools. The key is getting students away from the inner city and onto Eastern’s campus, where they can be integrated into college life and pursue their dreams of a four-year degree. This video tells their story.