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IHEP joins Lumina Foundation in national effort to support degree completion

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) recently joined Lumina Foundation [1] in a nationwide effort to improve postsecondary degree and credential attainment rates. Under the leadership of IHEP Vice President of Applied Research Julie Ajinkya, Ph.D. [2], IHEP will spearhead a community of practice with six Talent Hubs [3] committed to reengaging older adults with some college experience, but no degree or credential.

“Communities around the country are increasingly recognizing that a significant portion of today’s college students begin the hard work of earning a degree or credential, then press pause on their studies to juggle work, home, and life responsibilities,” said Ajinkya. “We’re eager to support Talent Hubs with helping stopped-out students develop a clear path to completion and put a stronger foot forward in the job market.”

Talent Hubs are communities with organized and aligned goals focused on creating multiple pathways to postsecondary success, and working to retain, attract and cultivate talent. Each community was selected by Lumina Foundation by meeting rigorous standards for creating environments that nurture talent among today’s students [4], many of whom are people of color, the first in their families to go to college, and from low-income households.

IHEP will guide a cohort of six Talent Hubs–New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Shasta County, Calif.; Richmond, Va.; and Austin, Texas–as they identify and scale proven strategies to reengage students, improve student outcomes, and narrow attainment gaps.

The newly launched Talent Hubs are one outgrowth of Lumina’s Community Partnership for Attainment (CPA), a national initiative to engage higher education institutions, school districts, community-based organizations, business leaders, and local elected officials in coordinated efforts to achieve postsecondary attainment gains. IHEP participated in Lumina’s CPA initiative and developed tactical guidebooks [5] highlighting best practices throughout the network.

Eleven additional communities have been designated as Talent Hubs and will focus on improving postsecondary access and success among two more important populations: 18-to-22-year-old students; and adults with no formal education beyond high school.

For more information about Lumina Foundation Talent Hubs, please visit: https://www.luminafoundation.org/talent-hubs [6].

Material from a press release was used in this report.