Brenda Brooks dropped out of college 40 years ago. Federal rules mean she can’t afford to go back.
Lately, Englewood native Brenda Brooks has had a tough time finding work. The 60-year-old has decades of experience at CVS and the historic Regal Theater in Avalon Park. But recently, prospective employers have told her, “ ‘You have the qualifications...
News
Our news, editorial, and analysis on federal policy surrounding higher education’s most pressing issues.
North Carolina Embraces the Challenge of Affordability and Quality in Higher Education
North Carolina is embracing the challenge facing many states to address issues of affordability and quality in higher education, while supporting students, faculty, and administrators throughout their careers, working closely with policy makers and legislative leaders, and focusing on meeting the educational and workforce needs of our current and f...
Working Americans Want “Equal Time” in the Presidential Debates about Higher Education
The working men and women of Iowa would like some “equal time” in the higher education debates currently crisscrossing their state as presidential candidates seek their support in the upcoming caucuses. Most press coverage of the Democratic nomination contest would have you believe that just about all of the candidates are running on some v...
Transforming Yesterday’s Postsecondary System to Better Serve Today’s Students
A college degree is a proven pathway to a higher median-income level and improved social mobility for students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, and for greater equity for society as a whole. Yet many students who enroll in college do not finish; across the United States, there are 36 million adults–or approximately 10% of the&hellip...
Op-eds
Op-ed: To support today’s students, Congress must strengthen oversight of colleges
George Miller, former Congressman and a board member of Higher Learning Advocates, published an op-ed on the need for Congress to strengthen oversight of colleges. Read the op-ed here.
2019… 11 years into the Higher Education Opportunity Act
So much has happened since the last Higher Education Act (HEA) reauthorization – the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. NASA scientists found water on Mars. Music streaming platforms were invented. Ridesharing apps have become one of the most popular forms of transportation. In 2019, we’ve reached the 11th year since Congress has r...
Policies Needed for Online Learners in 2020
Online learning plays a critical role for today’s students by offering greater flexibility to accommodate work schedules and, in many cases, creating more affordable pathways to credentials. However, concerns over quality and potential bad actors have inspired repeated attempts to regulate distance education in a manner that appropriately balance...
Empowering Yesterday’s Warriors
With more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, Student Veterans of America (SVA) is committed to the empowerment of yesterday’s warriors. Through a supportive network of chapter leaders, SVA works to transform the skills and experience of student veterans to ensure they achieve their greatest potential. The organization took important steps to advance ...
Community College Leaders Band Together to Advocate for Today’s Students
The characteristics of individuals enrolling in postsecondary education today are significantly different than they were when the Higher Education Act was first passed by Congress in the 1960s. Over 70 percent of today’s postsecondary students can be described as “non-traditional”—balancing work and family obligations while attending classe...
Young Invincibles: Advocating for Today’s Students
As 2019 comes toward a close, we at Young Invincibles are taking stock of the many efforts we undertook this year to advocate on behalf of young adults. We have done so to advance our mission of empowering young adults aged 18-34 to fully engage in our democracy and achieve economic security. We have maintained…
4 Ways Congress Made Progress Supporting Today’s Students in 2019
Washington has earned a reputation in recent years for being so mired in partisan politics that it is unable to act effectively. However, that sweeping assessment misses the fact that there has been some bipartisan action on Capitol Hill on certain issues, including education and skills development. With 2019 coming to an end, it’s worth…
#SAadvocates for #TodaysStudents: NASPA 2019 Advocacy
As the leading voice of student affairs, NASPA – Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education provides insight on federal and state public policy proposals that influence the daily lives of today’s students. Representing over 15,000 members across the world, NASPA connects our members and the broader field of student affairs with timel...
What It Takes to Achieve Equity in Higher Ed
The mission of the National College Access Network is to build, strengthen, and empower communities and stakeholders to close equity gaps in postsecondary attainment for all students. As NCAN embarks on a new strategic plan, and we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2020, we asked leaders from the college access and success field what they…