News Archive

Diversity and equity initiatives are increasingly under attack in statehouses, schools, and corporations across the country. But amid this rising rhetoric, a critical misunderstanding threatens our nation’s future—one that could erode our global leadership and economic prosperity.

Kaye Vitug, a global healthcare and finance leader, has joined Lumina Foundation’s board of directors, which concluded its spring meeting today.

Three years ago, we at Lumina Foundation became curious about the stigma surrounding community colleges. Americans saw them as the convenient, practical choice—but as a backup to something “better” and often not the first choice for serious students.

In response to falling public confidence, higher ed needs to deliver greater value and a clear return on investment.

In this special edition, we have a conversation on how to drive economic growth, strengthen civic life, and equip individuals to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Experts from workforce, higher education and philanthropy will dive into how learning after high school cultivates a skilled workforce, fosters innovation, and improves quality of life for American communities.  This show was recorded live from the podcast lounge at SXSW. 

For years, the debate about higher education has centered on one question: Is college still worth it?

I have served at the U.S. Department of Education twice—once as a career civil servant and later as deputy undersecretary and acting assistant secretary. I took immense pride in serving students with dignity and purpose in both roles. I continue to be inspired by the unwavering dedication of the department’s career employees—public servants who have committed their lives to advancing educational opportunity in every corner of this country.

Public confidence in higher education is slipping. You’ve probably heard it—maybe even felt it. But here’s the thing: While skepticism is rising, most Americans still believe in the power of a college degree. They see it as a ticket to career success, financial stability, and a better future for their families.

This episode dives into how schools are using SEO, branding, and mobile-friendly marketing to reshape perceptions and connect with their communities.

Lumina Foundation has announced a bold new goal to increase the number of Americans with education and training beyond high school: By 2040, 75 percent of working-age adults in the U.S. labor force will have college degrees or other credentials of value leading to economic prosperity.

Seventeen years ago, Lumina Foundation set an ambitious goal: By 2025, 60 percent of working-age adults in the United States would have a degree, certificate, or industry-recognized certification. At the time, only 38 percent had one. Today, that number has risen to 55 percent, thanks to the dedication of students, educators, and policymakers who believe in the power of education and training beyond high school.

Much of what makes America the envy of the world is its great diversity. That diversity cuts across many different lines: Income, geography, gender, ethnicity, race, and many other factors contribute to the nation’s economic strength and competitive ingenuity.

Four in five first-generation student participants from the “Is College Worth It?” report believe their degree will help them achieve financial goals and credit their college experience with expanding career opportunities.

We disagree so much in this country that it’s heartening to find an idea that nearly everybody supports—at least generally.

But our collective efforts must keep evolving until learning after high school prepares graduates to thrive economically.

Three years ago, Lumina Foundation launched the REACH Collaborative with a very clear and specific goal: to increase the number of Black, Hispanic and Latino, and Native American adults with quality credentials and degrees. Alongside our partners, we welcomed more than 100 community colleges in six states into the collaborative and supported them in implementing the REACH Framework, which includes three pillars.

The 2024 #FAFSA season was rough. Released late, riddled with errors, and dogged by processing issues, the launch of a simplified form led to a chaotic college enrollment season for students, families, and colleges.

Today, nearly 55 percent of working-age adults in the United States hold a degree or credential beyond high school—a milestone highlighted in the most recent 2023 data from A Stronger Nation, Lumina Foundation’s annual “report card” tracking educational progress.

Amid growing concerns over student debt and skepticism over the value of a degree, many students find themselves asking: Is college worth the time and money?

A shift to skills-based hiring is a good development, but don’t be fooled—the advantage for college-educated workers will continue to grow, Jamie Merisotis writes.

The end-of-year news retrospectives are over, and the “what’s ahead” predictions are wilting faster than New Year’s party flowers. But one significant 2025 milepost got little notice: Generation Z, the world’s largest generation, now makes up more than a quarter of the global labor force.

Community colleges around the country have found new ways to recruit and connect with students, and now they can show off tactics that work.

In this episode of Sparking Equity, host Lande Ajose explores the critical role higher education can play in addressing the climate crisis while advancing equity. Joined by Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, and Jamie Marisotis, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, this thought-provoking discussion delves into actionable strategies for colleges and universities to empower underserved communities, foster climate literacy, and turn knowledge into meaningful action. The episode highlights the intersection of climate change, equity, and education—and what leaders, students, and communities can do to shape a sustainable future.

Educational certificates, which have been around for decades, have become increasingly popular among students looking to gain skills to move up in their careers, or switch jobs.

The so-called “enrollment cliff” we’ve been waiting a generation for is nearly here, and we now have clear and detailed projections to help us as we prepare to reach the edge.

Higher education has an opportunity to use this moment of extreme stress to pursue genuine, urgently-needed systemic change.

We know what works when it comes to helping adult learners of color thrive at college. We know because they’ve told us what they need. The hard part is changing to meet those needs with practical solutions.

Half a year after the Class of 2024 donned caps and gowns, even some highly skilled graduates are struggling to find jobs in their field or at the level they expected.

Enormous questions confront America in this historic presidential year. But regardless of who moves into the Oval Office in January, we know this much: America will need more from our colleges and universities in 2025, not less, and we need to plan for that.

Marketers love them. Politicians court them. Colleges want them—badly. For the 69 million members of Gen Z in America, things might finally be looking up.