This resource presents key insights from interviews and focus groups conducted by Capitol Impact between May and October 2025 with a range of stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and employers. It highlights several challenges faced by priority student populations, particularly low-income, first-generation, and students of color. Key barriers include transportation issues that limit access to education, lack of centralized student support services, and the financial strain of affording college. Many students struggle to balance work and academic commitments, with insufficient financial aid adding to the pressure. To address these challenges, the report recommends expanding college readiness resources, improving financial aid guidance, addressing transportation barriers, and strengthening career pathways through mentorship and work-based learning opportunities. These actions aim to increase student success and equity in education.