Connect and Align Systems

Learners who transfer between institutions are often unable to count previously earned credits toward degree requirements at their new institution. Nationally, around 43% of credits do not transfer (Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office). As a result of this credit loss, learners must repeat courses, which is both expensive and time-consuming.

Ithaka S+R conducted a three-year pilot of a new tool called the Transfer Explorer, which educates students on how their credits transfer between The City University of New York (CUNY) institutions. The pilot showed an increase in the percentage of students who had their community college credits count toward a degree at one of CUNY’s four-year institutions.

Ascendium’s $1.7 million grant supports Ithaka S+R in enhancing and expanding the Transfer Explorer. As a result, more transfer students will have prior credits applied to a four-year degree, leading to lower costs, reduced time-to-degree, and better completion rates. Additionally, the field will learn how the Transfer Explorer and related data collection and reporting practices contribute to greater operational efficiencies and improved transfer credit processing.

Regional talent development ecosystems include education and training providers, community-based organizations, and employers. While these entities collectively support, train, and hire learners, they often don’t coordinate or have the capacity to partner with each other. This can result in outdated training programs that aren’t responsive to employer needs and don’t provide learners with clear paths to good jobs. 

Since its inception in 2012, CivicLab has helped hundreds of communities understand and strengthen collaboration between critical stakeholders in regional postsecondary education and workforce training systems. With this improved collaboration comes the ability to provide more and clearer pathways for learners to acquire skills needed by regional employers.  

With Ascendium’s $1.6 million grant, CivicLab is working to connect employers, postsecondary education institutions, and workforce training providers in 10 rural communities. These partnerships will aid in talent development, helping rural learners obtain good jobs and local communities thrive.