Values in Action: Inclusion and Access

“From red bus to airbus.” This sentiment captures a dream realized by a group of student scholars from marginalized backgrounds in India, who ended up at university with most, if not all, their tuition paid for—in part because they were able to show their strengths by taking the SAT. This is how I started 2022, two months into my journey leading College Board’s office in India and the India Scholars Program, a new initiative for students across India. I am honored to be taking our equity and access efforts to the next level of social impact.

What an incredible year! A world simultaneously faced with post-pandemic loss of learning and severe economic conditions, as well as important conversations around innovative best practices in university planning. It is also the year College Board began piloting our new Digital SAT, which will be available to international students next spring. It has been an exhilarating experience heading into 2023 with a focus on reaching students who may not be on a path to quality—or any—higher education.

The Pursuit of Excellence

As I find my new normal in a hybrid work and learning scenario, my view on the international education space is shaped by the outcomes of my work. I am glad that my role at College Board has helped me positively affect the lives of young people. The thought itself is very rewarding and I feel I am truly making a difference.

Creating value for students, giving them an opportunity to access quality higher education, and providing excellence and equity in education are the top three factors that not only define my current work, but also my work in the larger field. These ideals compel me towards the pursuit of excellence with utmost grit and resilience.

Moving ahead into a new year, my focus will be to innovate organizational processes and generate adequate tools and information that will help our strategic work with schools and governments across countries. In a broader sense, this focus will enable me to do my bit in harnessing human potential and development in the young people of India.

Expanding Access in 2023

The last year also held many lessons in moving from big ideas to the practical details. Sometimes it’s better processes that can lead to more students accessing university. The digital SAT launches internationally next spring, and I feel proud to be a part of this innovation that will have far reaching impact on the assessment ecosystem. The test will be easier to take, easier to administer, more secure, and more relevant. A shorter test means a shorter test day, and going digital means no more packing, sorting, or shipping of paper testing materials for testing sites. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from students and educators is a testament that we are moving in the right direction for universities, schools, and students.

My team and I have been in touch with school leaders in South and Central Asia, making sure they have complete information and resources to make this transition to a digital administration as smooth as possible. It is heartening to see their warmth and affection, hearing motivating words and inspiring stories—the human side that generally takes a backseat when communication is only transactional in nature.

Oftentimes, I meet leaders from the old school of thought, but it is amazing to see them moving beyond their comfort zone, embracing new processes, and building new habits. The pandemic has had a huge role to play in the journey to tech-based educational solutions and is a powerful reminder that no matter where you are in life, there is still so much more to learn, with endless possibilities that allow you to keep moving forward in life.

“Change the Invitation”

At a recent student fair, an 8th-grade student asked me, “Do you have law courses?” Hearing that a young student is already thinking years ahead about their future made me realize how online resources, popularized during the last 2 years of the pandemic, have created a deep sense of commitment towards personal growth. From an early age, students want to discover their passion, develop skills, manage their applications, and stand out to colleges. Considerable increase in financial aid from universities across the world is helping students save money and time.

As College Board CEO David Coleman said to thousands of educators at the recent College Board Forum in October, “If we want more students to engage, it is time to change the invitation. Our most important shared work is not sorting the usual suspects. Our challenge is to engage a far broader set of students whom we have not yet seen.” Reaching these unseen students will be my focus for 2023 in India and South and Central Asia.

Excited about what I have in store for 2023 and beyond!  •

Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta is the College Board's senior director for South and Central Asia.