ESG’s blog is a place to share what we have learned from our projects, our education and leadership experiences, and perspectives on how to improve student success. Expect insightful commentary from the ESG team that highlights promising practices from states and communities, and is designed to make connections and spur deeper conversation. Breaking down barriers and siloes within the nation’s K-12, postsecondary and workforce systems begins with getting everyone talking.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Work-based learning (WBL) has rapidly moved from a “nice to have” program to a core workforce priority for state leaders. This has generated significant conversation and exploration around the supports and infrastructures needed for experiences like internships and apprenticeships, but...
Thursday, May 21, 2026
You get a policy! And you get a policy! Everyone gets a policy! Please tell me you got this reference to Oprah’s iconic “Everyone gets a car!” moment. I’m sorry to tell you that I have zero cars for you,...
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
For years, the conversation around college access was focused on the “front door.” But for a student navigating the modern landscape, that door is often hidden behind a maze of disconnected applications, complex financial aid forms, and siloed advising systems....
Thursday, April 2, 2026
When my daughter, Ayanna, turned 14 and finished middle school last summer, I signed her up for a career exploration summer camp against her will. Yup, that’s right. I was a mom on a mission. My creative, hands-on kid who...
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Over the past few months, ESG has tested out a new approach to user-centered design: putting the process of creating tools and resources in the hands of those who will use them. From the start of the Accelerate ED initiative...
Thursday, January 8, 2026
2025 marked a year of profound change to the national education system. The redistribution of key Department of Education functions to different federal agencies has been described as an effort to give greater agency and more resources back to states....
Thursday, December 18, 2025
As efforts to build clearer pathways from education into the workforce take root across the country, some leaders are finding that this work is best accomplished at the regional level. Collaborating as a region can be the “sweet spot” for...
Friday, December 5, 2025
This is the third post in our “Building Gateways Through Admissions Redesign” series. Please make sure to also check out our recent spotlights on Washington and Tennessee.
Monday, November 17, 2025
In 2025, Lumina Foundation set an ambitious goal: by 2040, 75 percent of adults in the U.S. labor force will hold a college degree or other credential of value leading to economic prosperity. Subsequently, the organization launched FutureReady States. This...
Thursday, October 30, 2025
This is the second post in our “Building Gateways Through Admissions Redesign” series. Please make sure to also check out our recent spotlight on Washington.
Monday, October 20, 2025
“My biggest learning has been the power of connecting across states to anticipate and prepare for emerging political and policy shifts. Through this network, I’ve been able to both share my experience and learn from peers navigating similar challenges. These...
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Throughout most of modern history, college admissions processes have operated as gates by keeping students out. On one side of the gate, a limited resource – seats in a freshman class. On the other side of the gate, an abundant...