How We See the Problem
Leveraging workforce training, transferring between postsecondary providers and entering or re-entering the workforce are pivotal moments in a learner’s career or academic journey. Institutions and systems can implement policies and practices that inadvertently make these transitions difficult. For example, when curricula don’t align, or information systems are incapable of sharing data effectively, students risk losing credits, momentum and money. The jump from postsecondary education into the workforce also presents challenges, especially when institutions offer programming that does not align with the skills employers need.
Our Three Investment Priorities
Grants to Streamline Key Learner Transitions
Accelerating Transfer Reform
Scaling
This grant supports The Aspen Institute in accelerating transfer reform nationally by activating two- and four-year college leaders and leveraging networks to implement lasting institutional change. This project will scale the adoption of effective practices aimed at improving transfer success for learners from low-income backgrounds.
Workforce Aligned Postsecondary Education: Understanding the Way Forward
Validation
This grant supports the Urban Institute in assessing which workforce-aligned approaches of postsecondary education institutions are most critical for the success of learners from low-income backgrounds in the labor market. The Urban Institute will conduct a multi-faceted research project, including a return on investment analysis that will ultimately provide information on promising and effective programs, policies, resources and strategies that support success for learners.
HBCU Degree Completion Pilot
Exploration
This grant supports the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in piloting an online college degree completion program for near-completer students at member HBCU Delaware State University in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University.
Tools of the Trade Apprentice Scholarships
Scaling
This grant supports the Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to construction and industrial trade apprentices attending a Wisconsin Technical College System college. Each spring, apprentices with financial need receive $2,000 to help cover the cost of equipment, work clothes and other related expenses.
Tools of the Trade Apprentice Scholarship: Jim Elliott
Scaling
This grant supports the Jim Elliott Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to students in apprenticeship programs at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Each spring, 20 apprentices with financial need receive $2,000 to help cover the cost of equipment, work clothes and other related expenses.
Development of a Comprehensive Transfer Blueprint
Exploration
This grant supports Kent State University in developing transfer pathways with three partner community colleges that streamline student progress to a degree.
Midwest Credential Transparency Alliance
Scaling
This grant supports the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and Credential Engine in developing the Midwest Credential Transparency Alliance. Intensive work in five states and regional coordination across the 12-state region will contribute to significantly expanding the public repository of detailed, accurate information about postsecondary credentials available to learners, employers, schools and state agencies.
Equity Transfer Initiative
Exploration
This grant supports the American Association of Community Colleges in increasing equitable student transfer outcomes. In partnership with the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Equity Transfer Initiative will provide direct coaching, technical assistance and ongoing support to selected pairs of two- and four-year institutions as they develop new transfer pathways for degrees leading to high-demand careers.
Scaling Community College Partnerships to Expand Access to Technology Careers
Scaling
This grant supports Generation USA in expanding their proven model of supporting learners from low-income backgrounds in accessing quality technology training that leads to upward socioeconomic mobility and careers through community college partnerships. Over the course of 18 months, Generation USA will test three types of partnerships with community colleges with a goal to successfully scale their model.
Advancing a Framework for Integrated Credit Mobility
Exploration
This grant supports Ithaka Harbors in defining the key challenges and barriers related to credit assessment, transfer and application that cause learners to lose credits. In addition to creating a tool for the field to support improved policy and practice, the resulting framework is intended to inform and support the launch of an Ascendium grant program aimed at catalyzing more effective, integrated credit mobility processes and practices.
