Lumina Foundation Launches Initiative to Transform Education Landscape
Thirteen states working together to enhance educational quality and economic outcomes.
In an ambitious move to advance educational attainment across the nation, Lumina Foundation has kicked off a State Attainment Collaborative. This initiative aims to help various states either revise or establish new objectives that encourage citizens to pursue formal education or training, ultimately leading to enhanced job opportunities and continuous learning. The primary mission of this multi-state effort serves to accelerate progress towards an impressive goal - by 2040, it aims for three-fourths of adults in the U.S. workforce to possess college degrees or other meaningful credentials that support economic growth.
Initially, this collaboration brings together leaders from diverse sectors including education, business, civic organizations, nonprofits, and policy-making bodies across thirteen states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. The unique contribution of each state will be to define the significance of various credentials and to tailor their educational attainment goals to emphasize the intrinsic worth of higher education for their residents and overall economic well-being.
Lumina Foundation first unveiled the national attainment target back in 2008, sparking significant advancements in educational opportunities. Current data reveals that 55 percent of working-age adults have now earned a college degree or obtained short-term credentials. Remarkably, forty-nine states have prioritized specific goals to enhance educational attainment, thereby transitioning the dialogue from mere access to education to a focus on degree completion and successful transitions into the workforce. This ongoing pursuit towards a 2025 target shines a light on the importance of community colleges, adult learners, and addressing the urgent disparities surrounding educational outcomes based on income, race, ethnicity, and geographical regions. Over the period from 2008 to 2023, the percentage of U.S. adults who have earned a degree or a higher-quality credential increased by 16 points. Notably, states like Colorado, Massachusetts, and Utah have exceeded the ambitious 60 percent goal.
According to Michelle Asha Cooper, Lumina's vice president for public policy, "Establishing clear attainment goals for degrees and workforce credentials signifies a state's dedication to enhancing opportunities and bolstering economic health." Through formal collaborations of this nature, participating states have the chance to refine their goals, share valuable insights, and ensure that their plans prioritize beneficial outcomes for individuals, local communities, and employers alike.
As over twenty states face the expiration of their educational goals this year, there is one undeniable truth: higher education is under mounting public and political scrutiny, with increasing demands for demonstrating the tangible values provided by degrees and credentials. Critics are vocal about issues related to affordability and alignment with career paths.
Patrick Crane, Lumina's strategy director for state policy, expressed that "leaders are keen to understand the next steps forward." The collaborative is designed to offer states an opportunity to showcase their advancements while addressing upcoming challenges. This partnership builds on more than a decade of state-level accomplishments, providing a framework for states to reassess their educational strategies, reaffirm their commitments, and realign efforts to meet evolving needs. Participating states are eager to ensure that post-high school learning translates into tangible benefits for individuals, society, and the economy at large.
About Lumina Foundation
Lumina Foundation operates as an independent, private foundation with its headquarters in Indianapolis. The foundation is deeply committed to expanding access to opportunities for learning beyond the high school level. The organization's vision encompasses a higher education landscape that is navigable and equitable, delivering successful outcomes while meeting national workforce demands through an array of valuable credentials. Lumina aims to establish a system that adequately prepares individuals for active citizenship and prosperity in a global economy.
Media contact: Tracy Chen, director of media and video strategies at Lumina Foundation
Contact via email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the State Attainment Collaborative?
The purpose is to help states establish educational goals that lead to meaningful job opportunities and ongoing learning.
Which states are participating in this collaborative effort?
Thirteen states are involved: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.
What does the Goal 2040 aim to achieve?
Goal 2040 seeks for three-fourths of U.S. adults in the labor force to attain college degrees or other valuable credentials by 2040.
What challenges does higher education currently face?
Higher education is facing scrutiny regarding affordability, value of degrees, and the alignment between education and career paths.
How does Lumina Foundation plan to impact education?
Lumina Foundation aims to improve educational outcomes and ensure that learning translates effectively into personal and economic benefits for society.
