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Lumina Foundation Aims to Elevate Education by 2040

In a bold move, the Lumina Foundation has declared a new nationwide objective aiming to significantly enhance college education and workforce training for Americans by 2040. The foundation's ambitious plan seeks to ensure that by this deadline, a remarkable 75 percent of adults in the U.S. labor market will hold college degrees or other meaningful credentials that lead to career advancement and economic growth.

This announcement comes as a crucial response to the growing demands within the U.S. workforce, emphasizing the need for increased qualifications that align with an ever-changing economy. As the landscape of work transforms, a greater number of Americans require access to valuable credentials that not only support their personal development but also promote financial security and stronger community structures.

Commitment to Accessibility and Success

Jamie Merisotis, President and CEO of Lumina Foundation, underlined the importance of higher education, stating, "Higher education should be a gateway to real opportunity for every aspiring student". He highlighted the necessity of dismantling existing barriers so that individuals from diverse backgrounds have the chance to earn degrees and credentials that empower them, fostering continuous learning, community improvements, and meaningful employment.

To realize the ambitious goal set for 2040, the Lumina Foundation will focus on four critical areas:

1. Credentials of Value: The emphasis will be on ensuring that not only degrees but also other credentials provide tangible career and economic benefits.
2. Access: There will be a concerted effort to broaden entryways into high-quality education and training opportunities for every individual.
3. Student Success: Supporting programs that facilitate timely completion of education and training will be prioritized, ensuring that students are well-equipped to attain their goals.
4. Redesign: A reevaluation of how education and workforce systems are structured, funded, and governed will be undertaken to better serve today’s learners.

Strategic Investments and Future Plans

The commitment involves substantial investments in these areas over the next five years, which includes enhancing data collection methods to gauge progress toward achieving economic prosperity effectively. Lumina's new strategy is founded on insights gathered over the last 17 years and emphasizes the crucial role of education in bolstering communities, enhancing economic competitiveness, and promoting social mobility.

Notably, since Lumina established a national goal in 2008, there has been an increase from 38 percent to 55 percent in the number of U.S. adults, aged 25 to 64, who possess college degrees or other recognized credentials beyond high school. This growth highlights a vital success story for millions of Americans who have pursued higher education and vocational training.

To continue the momentum, Lumina will monitor progress towards a newly set 60 percent goal while also expanding its data visualization tool, A Stronger Nation, to track advancements toward the ultimate target of 75 percent by 2040.

Collaborating for Impact

Moreover, more remains to be done to ensure that learning beyond high school meets the anticipated value that students deserve. To drive this change, Lumina will work in partnership with educational institutions, government entities, businesses, and nonprofits to enact policies and programs that resonate with the dynamic needs of the workforce. A strong focus will be on community colleges, regional public universities, and institutions catering to today's diverse student body, including those from low-income households, first-generation college attendees, and communities of color.

Merisotis emphasized that the notable growth in post-high school credentials is a significant yet often overlooked success story of the last two decades, underscoring that higher education continues to be the most effective means to achieve economic prosperity for individuals and the nation as a whole.

For more detailed information about Lumina's strategic plan and the bold Goal 2040, you can visit Lumina Foundation.