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, April 1, 2021
We know that postsecondary credentials matter more today than ever before. While bachelor’s degrees remain important, there are over 30 million good jobs nationwide that are held by those with an associate degree, long-term postsecondary certificate, journeyman’s license, or industry-recognized...
Friday, March 26, 2021
The American Rescue Plan — the latest Federal stimulus package passed in response to the coronavirus pandemic — offers tremendous financial resources to both K-12 and higher education for use in combatting the effects of the pandemic on student learning...
Monday, March 22, 2021
With severe enrollment declines that disproportionately affect learners of color and the threat of a “lost COVID-19 cohort,” colleges and communities are looking for innovative solutions to their enrollment woes. Most are turning inward to distinguish themselves, but rather than...
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
As I reflect on what we hope the Biden administration will accomplish and, more specifically, how I think the education agenda needs to be defined, there is one topic that receives a lot of airplay but is historically poor in...
Monday, February 22, 2021
Think back to being 15 years old. Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? Even if you did know, did you have a clear understanding of what it would take to get there? Did you...
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Perhaps like many of you, these days I often find myself searching for a path forward. With many daunting challenges facing our country, it feels difficult to find a helpful role to play, and I look for ways to step...
Monday, December 21, 2020
Millions of American workers have been displaced from their careers. People are urgently seeking solutions to re-enter the workforce and earn wages to sustain their families. The unprecedented number of job losses means that the U.S. is likely to see...
Thursday, December 10, 2020
This fall, the percentage of students enrolling in college immediately after graduation fell by 21.7 percent, an astounding and devastating statistic for our nation, and more importantly, each student who has had their dreams delayed or denied. Sadly, based on...
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Congratulations to President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris. Throughout their campaign, they have spoken about returning our country to its place as a leader on the global stage while attending to our very real challenges here at home. Building back...
Monday, November 2, 2020
While we know that education and training beyond high school is now necessary to secure a well-paying career in today’s labor market, a postsecondary credential alone is not a guarantee of success. The ability to tap into a network—a group...
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Earlier today, JPMorgan Chase announced that six U.S. cities – Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Indianapolis and Nashville, as well as previously-announced Denver – will receive career readiness investments as part of the firm’s $75 million global commitment to better prepare young...
Friday, October 16, 2020
Last week, we released A More Unified Community College: Strategies and Resources to Align Non-Credit and Credit Programs, a suite of resources intended to help community colleges bring their non-credit and credit offerings into greater alignment for more equitable student...