#United States #Indianapolis #Higher Education #Lumina Foundation #Career-Connected Practices

Lumina Foundation's New Initiative to Bridge Education and Employment

On March 17, 2026, the Lumina Foundation revealed an exciting step towards enhancing the connection between education and career through its initiative, "From Campus to Career." A total of 16 selected colleges and universities across the United States have been invited to partake in this transformative program aimed at developing and expanding career-connected high-impact practices (HIPs).

Importance of Career-Connected Practices

The initiative is pioneering in addressing a critical gap in higher education: the disconnect between academic experiences and their translation into meaningful career opportunities. As Jasmine Haywood, Lumina's strategy director for credentials of value, noted, many students graduate equipped with academic knowledge but lack the pathways to convert that knowledge into real-world competencies valued by employers. This program seeks to rectify that gap by employing high-impact practices that link classroom learning with workforce readiness.

Participating Institutions

The selected institutions reflect a broad spectrum of higher education, spanning regional public universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and prominent research universities. Here’s the complete list of the participating institutions:

• - Adams State University
• - Bowie State University
• - Central Washington University
• - Claflin University
• - CSU Channel Islands
• - CU Denver
• - Indiana University South Bend
• - Iowa State University of Science and Technology
• - Norfolk State University
• - North Carolina A&T State University
• - Rutgers University – New Brunswick
• - University of Arizona
• - University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
• - University of Tennessee Southern
• - University of Wisconsin–Parkside
• - Virginia State University

These institutions are set to emerge as national exemplars for integrating academic, hands-on experiences that prepare students adequately for their careers.

Funding and Support

Each selected institution will receive $100,000 to support the initiative over the next two years, along with specialized guidance tailored to their unique contexts. National intermediaries, including organizations dedicated to enhancing postsecondary education, will collaborate to ensure the success of this initiative. Their goal is to facilitate peer learning among institutions and provide the necessary expertise to execute high-quality, career-connected HIPs.

Benefits of High-Impact Practices

Research has repeatedly shown that high-impact practices offer profound benefits for student engagement, deeper learning, and improved graduation rates. However, a disparity exists regarding access and quality of these experiences, heavily influenced by institutional resources, programs, and student demographics. As organizations prioritize experiential learning that aligns with career paths, the initiative’s focus on career-connected HIPs can play a pivotal role in providing students with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in the job market.

The Future of Educational Value

As we face a labor market that increasingly values competencies and practical experiences, this initiative can significantly bolster the value and return on investment (ROI) of a college degree. Debra Humphreys, vice president of strategic engagement at Lumina, highlighted the urgency to fortify the educational-to-employment connection, particularly at a time of rising skepticism about the value of higher education. The tangible demonstration of how education equips students for fulfilling careers can transform perceptions regarding college credentials.

Conclusion

The Lumina Foundation’s "From Campus to Career" initiative stands as a beacon for advancing career-connected experiences within higher education. Its comprehensive approach not only impacts the selected institutions but also serves as a blueprint for others in the educational landscape. Insights gained from this program will contribute significantly to Lumina's broader mission of ensuring that 75 percent of the U.S. labor force holds valuable degrees or credentials by 2040, leading to economic prosperity for all.