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.
Monday, August 17, 2020
Nationwide, state economies are feeling the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially reflected in the staggering job losses that surpass even the Great Depression rates of unemployment. In fact, nearly 50 million people have lost their jobs since mid-March. And...
Thursday, August 13, 2020
ESG is pleased to have been a part of Equitable Transitions Through Pandemic Disruptions, a new series of policy briefs published this week by Education Commission of the States. Make sure to check out all six briefs in the series,...
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
While the educational attainment of Hispanic students has increased significantly over the past decade, the representation of Hispanic males continues to lag behind that of their peers. In fact, only two in three Hispanic males graduate from high school each...
Monday, July 20, 2020
The current state of the U.S. economy, particularly as a result of the pandemic crisis, is a commentary on how the land of opportunity has become a much more difficult environment in which to navigate and thrive. In particular, finding...
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
The economic destruction and severe educational disruption caused by COVID-19 will have ramifications for years to come. Many lives and many people’s futures are at risk. The actions we take in the months ahead to reposition education systems to serve...
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans—particularly people of color and low-income individuals—are still struggling, even as the economic freefall has begun to show signs of slowing. New data showed that the national unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped to...
Thursday, June 11, 2020
The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) recently announced a first-of-its-kind program to support DCPS alumni as they transition to and through college. Supported by the DC Public Education Fund through a generous investment from the A. James & Alice...
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
The tremendous disruption and uncertainty caused by COVID-19 to everyday lives and to the economy has pummeled our country. While over 40 million people have filed unemployment claims, the pandemic has had a concentrated impact on our most vulnerable populations....
Thursday, May 21, 2020
The massive economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered lives and livelihoods. This pandemic has put a spotlight on the vulnerability of low-skilled, non-credentialed workers, with less-educated people losing work at three times the rate of those...
Thursday, May 14, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis continues to lay bare the reality that a postsecondary credential is the safest bet for an individual’s long-term economic stability. The most recent unemployment figures may be the harshest reminder yet that, in the aggregate, the answer...
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
With families facing deep financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is more important than ever. We know that, particularly during an economic downturn, a postsecondary degree or credential is key...
Friday, May 1, 2020
The ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in the loss of millions of jobs. Though some of these job losses are temporary, others will be permanent. As they look for ways to return to work, many newly-unemployed individuals...