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Lumina Foundation's Ambitious Initiative: A Pathway to Economic Prosperity

On November 12, 2025, the Lumina Foundation announced the establishment of a State Attainment Collaborative aimed at fostering educational advancements across multiple states. This initiative is designed to guide states in redefining their educational objectives to ensure that all individuals can access formal learning and training that ultimately leads to enhanced job prospects and economic stability. The collaboration is a strategic move to build momentum toward an ambitious objective: Goal 2040, which aspires for 75% of adults within the U.S. workforce to hold college degrees or similar valuable credentials by 2040.

Collaborative Efforts Across Thirteen States

The Lumina Foundation's collaborative project brings together education, business, civic, nonprofit, and policy leaders from a diverse group of thirteen states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. Each participating state will identify what constitutes a valuable credential and revamp its educational attainment goals, emphasizing the importance and implications of higher education on economic well-being for its residents. This groundbreaking initiative is timely, particularly as more than 20 states are set to see their attainment goals expire this year.

Since launching its original national attainment goal in 2008, Lumina has led efforts that have resulted in substantial progress in educational attainment. Current statistics indicate that approximately 55% of working-age adults possess either college degrees or short-term credentials. Notably, the initiative has shifted the focus from merely increasing access to education, to ensuring that students successfully complete their academic programs. The movement has also spotlighted the importance of addressing the educational needs of adult learners, community colleges, and the existing disparities in educational outcomes based on income, race, and geographic location.

Insights from Leaders on Educational Attainment

Lumina's vice president for public policy, Michelle Asha Cooper, expressed the significance of setting clear and attainable goals. She stated, “Setting clear goals for increasing degrees and workforce credentials demonstrates a state's commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening its economy.” This collaborative effort will incentivize states to share best practices, tackle common challenges, and maintain a focus on the inherent value of education for individuals, communities, and employers alike.

Patrick Crane, Lumina's strategy director for state policy, remarked on the increasing public scrutiny surrounding higher education. He highlighted the necessity for the collaborative platform, “The collaborative will give states a space to highlight progress and reckon with the challenges ahead.” As funding pressures mount and political criticism intensifies, educational leaders are being prompted to re-evaluate their goals and strategies, ensuring they align with current student needs and market demands.

Looking Ahead

With the collaborative process already commencing, the participating states are eager to ensure that post-secondary education and training translate into meaningful outcomes for students and the broader economy. The Lumina Foundation, through this initiative, aims to offer states the tools needed to reassess and recommit to their educational pathways, thereby fostering an environment where higher education is both attainable and valuable in meeting the nation's demand for a skilled workforce.

About Lumina Foundation: Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation based in Indianapolis that is devoted to expanding access to learning beyond high school for everyone. They envision a higher education landscape that is navigable, equitable, and meets the evolving talent requirements of the United States through a diverse range of credentials. Their commitment extends towards fostering informed citizenship and equipping individuals for success in an increasingly globalized economy.

For more information, you can contact Tracy Chen, the director of media and video strategies at Lumina Foundation.