Lumina Foundation is working to increase the share of adults in the U.S. labor force with college degrees or other credentials of value leading to economic prosperity.
In 2022, Jessica Varkevisser became the beneficiary of the Colorado Re-Engaged Initiative, which draws on reverse-transfer policies to allow the state’s four-year institutions to award degrees to stopped-out students who have fulfilled the requirements of an associate of general studies degree.
Reverse transfer—the practice of awarding associate degrees for credit previously earned—is beneficial for colleges, state workforces, and the vast “some college, no credit” population. But why do so few students opt in?
Washington lawmakers and the Trump administration passed a major legislative package this summer that will cut funding for programs designed to help students from low-income backgrounds—making it far harder for these students to afford and complete college.
The leaders behind these cuts claim that they’re necessary to curb wasteful spending and keep higher education accountable. But that line of thinking is woefully misguided—and destructive—for our entire nation, write Sameer Gadkaree, president and CEO of The Institute for College Access & Success, and The Education Trust's Denise Forte in this commentary.
Barack Obama is urging college leaders to remain steadfast. Appearing on the final episode of Marc Maron’s long-running podcast, the former U.S. president urged college presidents to guard their academic independence, even if it means losing some federal money.
Obama’s message comes at a pivotal moment, as the Trump administration pressures colleges to get on board with its sweeping higher education agenda in exchange for federal funding priority. But what would passing Obama’s leadership test mean in practice? And who might be willing to risk standing up to Trump?
Six states—Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Indiana—have become national leaders in efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education, with significant consequences for students and faculty of color.
Student activism has emerged in response to the restrictions. Iowa State University students organized rallies and petitions opposing the elimination of the DEI office and restructuring of the LGBTQIA+ Center. In Alabama, university professors and students filed a lawsuit challenging the state's DEI ban, arguing it violates First Amendment rights.
In late September, President Trump announced a dramatic increase in the fees for new petitions for H-1B visas, raising the cost—previously between $2,000 and $5,000—to $100,000. The announcement sent shockwaves through business circles.
The effects of the large increase are uncertain, but if H-1B funds decrease, the Secretary of Labor will have less money to support the nation’s underfunded workforce training system, including apprenticeships.
Roger Weinreber, 80, is one of 373 residents at Mirabella, a retirement community that opened at Arizona State University in 2020. Residents live in the heart of campus in a 20-story high-rise and take classes, attend athletic and performing arts events, sit on thesis committees, and help international students practice their English skills.
For retirees, university retirement communities offer the option to indulge their passion for lifelong learning in an environment that allows for intergenerational interaction with younger students.
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