The number of Hamilton County (Tenn.) students enrolling in higher education continued to climb in 2007, reports the news team for Channel 9 in Chattanooga, Tenn. The numbers reflect hard work on the part of principals and teachers, but also a heavy investment from the community.

The effect of the community's expectation that all students should have the opportunity and skills to attend college is evident in the college attendance rate, as roughly 90 percent of local graduates took advantage of tuition assistance. One of the goals of the local high school reform program was to place half-time college advisors in each high school.

These advisors helped students navigate the puzzling maze of the application and financial aid process. The dramatic reforms were made possible by investments from all sectors of the community, including PEN member, the Public Education Foundation.

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