The U.S. Department of Education is convening a one-day symposium on college completion on Monday, Jan. 30, for 50 of the nation’s leading researchers, policy experts, and practitioners from 30 postsecondary institutions to identify evidence-based best practices that work to increase college completion. At 2:30 p.m., Education Secretary Arne Duncan will address the symposium, challenging participants to think creatively about ways to substantially boost college completion.

Sessions will highlight ways to support students’ achievement through accelerated programs, learning communities and bridge programs; as well as through advising, coaching and mentoring. The symposium will also focus on affordable and innovative ways to promote completion in an effort to meet President Obama's goal that the United States once again have the highest college attainment rate in the world by 2020. The symposium is being held at the LBJ Education Department Headquarters Building, Barnard Auditorium, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., in Washington, D.C.,

NOTE TO EDITORS: Call (202) 401-1307 or email jane.glickman@ed.gov for more information about the symposium agenda.