Report/Research
Smart Postsecondary Policies that Work for Students and the Economy
Talent Development
- The state has a clear and ambitious postsecondary attainment goal that includes targets for historically underserved populations.
- The state has a data system that enables policymakers to understand how students are progressing through public education and into the workforce.
- The state makes labor market information available to track and report employment outcomes of college graduates.
- The state sets expectations for community colleges to use regional labor market information and employer input to align their programs to workforce needs.
- The state supports regional alignment among education and workforce development providers toward in-demand careers.
- The state supports work-based learning opportunities for postsecondary students as part of their program of study.
Efficient Pathways
- The state expands access to high-quality dual enrollment pathways designed to save students time and money in completing a postsecondary credential.
- The state supports college readiness approaches that accelerate entry into college-level courses as quickly as appropriate.
- The state supports efficient pathways toward the attainment of a two-year degree.
- The state supports efficient pathways to a four-year degree from community colleges.
- The state has community college finance policies designed to ensure funding is sufficient and aligned to support broader state education goals.
Student Potential
- The state supports college and career advising to help students and families make well-informed educational choices.
- The state promotes college affordability.
- State financial aid is flexible, accessible to different types of students, and incentivizes completion.
- The state supports the financial stability of community college students and helps them complete a postsecondary credential.