Economic Mobility Grants

Economic Mobility Grants is sponsored by Strada Education Foundation. Strada Education Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations, postsecondary education providers, and workforce and skills-based educators to make education-to-employment pathways more accessible and affordable.

Strada Institute for the Future of Work | Strada Education Foundation Institute for the Future of Work Our research focuses on the future of work, the future of postsecondary education and training, and talent-driven economic development.

Strada Institute for the Future of Work develops and conducts rigorous, field-leading research that provides actionable insights on how to strengthen educational pathways that lead to economic opportunity for individuals and respond to the talent needs of employers.

The Institute guides and grows national discourse on education and employment by investigating important but underdeveloped issues that are critical to individuals, employers, states, and the nation’s economy. of bachelor’s degree holders are underemployed one year after graduating. Talent Disrupted Talent Disrupted of employers say skill gaps are negatively affecting their performance.

— Springboard for Business Institute research focuses on four primary topics: Increasing the labor market value of postsecondary credentials, including aligning education with occupational opportunity, identifying pathways to in-demand jobs, and reducing barriers to employment.

Improving employment outcomes of nontraditional learning and contexts, such as noncredit occupational education, upskilling or reskilling, older learners, and postsecondary education in prison. Reducing education and employment disparities, such as the gender gap in college enrollment and completion, the declining labor force participation of working-age men, and persistent gaps in educational opportunities by socioeconomic background.

Strengthening state talent planning, including analytic models of talent migration, strategies for increasing labor force participation, and innovative solutions to increase access to majors with high return on investment. ‍ A college degree is not always a guarantee of labor market success. Only half of college graduates hold college-level jobs one year after graduating.

This report offers actionable recommendations to policymakers, college leaders, and students to improve graduates’ access to college-level jobs. In the future, the most valued workers will be those who combine technical skills with uniquely human skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication Institute research supports large-scale change by informing: Policy adoption at the state and federal levels.

Implementation of effective practices in states and among employers and postsecondary institutions. National discourse on the connections between pathways to opportunity for students and education and work. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

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Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Rooney Columbus Rooney Columbus Chairman of the board, Strada Ernest J.

Newborn II Ernest J. Newborn II Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.

D. President, Virginia State University Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.

D. Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.

D. Hannah Acheson-Field Hannah Acheson-Field Akua Amankwah-Ayeh Akua Amankwah-Ayeh Roslyn Clark Artis, Ed. D.

President, Benedict College Roslyn Clark Artis, Ed. D. Roslyn Clark Artis, Ed.

D. Executive vice president and chief financial officer Michael Austin Michael Austin Director, work-based learning Vice president of employer engagement and managing research director of the Strada Institute for the Future of Work Director, grants programs Alicia Baird Alicia Baird Vice president, employer alignment Kyle Baltuch Kyle Baltuch Vice president, Midwest state government relations Jason Bearce Jason Bearce Rev. E.

William Beauchamp, C. S. C.

Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.

S. C. Rev.

E. William Beauchamp, C. S.

C. Kathryn J. Blanchard Kathryn J.

Blanchard Vice president, state data system advancement, clear outcomes President, Bowie State University Aminta H. Breaux, Ph. D.

Aminta H. Breaux, Ph. D.

Stephanie Breen Stephanie Breen Courtney Brown Courtney Brown Alexis Calvin Alexis Calvin Chancellor, University of Minnesota Rochester Lori J. Carrell, Ph. D.

Lori J. Carrell, Ph. D.

Executive assistant, policy and advocacy Laurie Casey Laurie Casey Summer Casillas Summer Casillas Michele Chang Michele Chang President and chief executive officer, Vantage Data Centers Sureel A. Choksi Sureel A.

Choksi Senior vice president, research Dave Clayton Dave Clayton President, affiliates and strategic partnerships Vice president, state affordability initiatives Crystal Collins Crystal Collins Executive assistant, clear outcomes Andrea Contreras Andrea Contreras Senior data visualization and storytelling Molly Cook Escobar Molly Cook Escobar President (retired), Coulis Consulting Marlene V. Coulis Marlene V.

Coulis Senior director, learning mobility and strategic partnerships, clear outcomes Holly Custard Holly Custard Carol D’Amico Carol D’Amico Vice president, apprenticeship and employer engagement Stacy Delapenha Stacy Delapenha Director of media relations Amber Denney Amber Denney Senior vice president, affordability Justin Draeger Justin Draeger Director, quality coaching, innovation and impact Victoria Dunn Victoria Dunn Superintendent, Great Heart Texas Wade T.

Dyke, Ph. D. Wade T.

Dyke, Ph. D. Felicia Edwin Felicia Edwin Senior vice president, learner engagement, and chief community officer Chantée Eldridge Chantée Eldridge President (retired), Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Sue Ellspermann, Ph.

D. Sue Ellspermann, Ph. D.

Maria Ferguson Maria Ferguson Chancellor, Alamo Colleges District Mike Flores, Ph. D. Mike Flores, Ph.

D. Vice president, quality coaching, state initiatives Senior vice president and chief data ecosystem officer Alicia Garceau Alicia Garceau Sowmya Ghosh Sowmya Ghosh Clark Gilbert Clark Gilbert Executive vice president, policy, advocacy, and communications Gabriella Gómez Gabriella Gómez Senior vice president, HBCU and engagement Daryl Graham Daryl Graham Trustee emeritus; former president, Benedict College Marshall Grigsby, Ph. D.

Marshall Grigsby, Ph. D. Vice president, work-based learning Harry Guinivan Harry Guinivan Investment associate, strategic investments Michael Hanagan Michael Hanagan Senior director, employer alignment Andrew Hanson Andrew Hanson Leonard Haynes III, Ph.

D. Former U.S. assistant secretary for postsecondary education and former acting president, Grambling State University Leonard Haynes III, Ph. D.

Leonard Haynes III, Ph. D. Interim chief communications officer Brian Hendrickson Brian Hendrickson Senior vice president, strategic investments Jessica Hinkle Jessica Hinkle Senior vice president and chief human resources officer Terry Holloway Terry Holloway Senior program manager, clear outcomes Natasha Jankowski Natasha Jankowski Angelo Jasa-Phillips Angelo Jasa-Phillips Nicole Thorne Jenkins, Ph.

D. John A. Griffin Dean of the McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia Nicole Thorne Jenkins, Ph.

D. Nicole Thorne Jenkins, Ph. D.

Vice provost of undergraduate education and student success, University of Oregon Kimberly Johnson Kimberly Johnson Senior director, campaigns and creative services Jason Johnson Jason Johnson Former deputy division chief, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Ruth Jones, Ph. D. Ruth Jones, Ph.

D. Project manager, postsecondary education Doris Juarez Doris Juarez Director, federal government relations Emily Kinard Emily Kinard Vice president and general manager, global education industry (retired), IBM Michael D. King Michael D.

King Vice president, quality coaching, postsecondary education Melissa Leavitt Melissa Leavitt Elaine W. Leigh Elaine W. Leigh Senior director, evaluation and learning Sebastian Lemire Sebastian Lemire Adena Williams Loston, Ph.

D. President, St. Philip's College Adena Williams Loston, Ph.

D. Adena Williams Loston, Ph. D.

Senior vice president, work-based learning Executive vice president, corporate development Founder and chief executive officer, Centerfire Capital Thomas B. Mangas Thomas B. Mangas Courtney H.

McBeth Courtney H. McBeth Senior vice president of employer engagement and executive director of the Strada Institute for the Future of Work Heather McKay Heather McKay Senior vice president, strategy and innovation Christopher Meyer Christopher Meyer Project coordinator, HBCU Executive vice president of growth and new initiatives, Sony Pictures Entertainment Erik I. Moreno Erik I.

Moreno President and chief executive officer Stephen Moret Stephen Moret Ilene Nagel, Ph. D. Ilene Nagel, Ph.

D. William R. Neale, Esq.

William R. Neale, Esq. Vice president, strategic investments Laura McCoolidge Nguyen Laura McCoolidge Nguyen Vice president and director, education analytics and technical services Rev.

Gerard (Gerry) J. Olinger, C. S.

C. Vice president for student affairs, University of Notre Dame Rev. Gerard (Gerry) J.

Olinger, C. S. C.

Rev. Gerard (Gerry) J. Olinger, C.

S. C. Senior manager, HBCU partnerships and outcomes Damien E.

Padilla Damien E.

Padilla Senior director, institutional affordability initiatives Stephen Payne Stephen Payne Executive vice president, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary Rhonda Powell Rhonda Powell Director of data science, clear outcomes Seth Reichlin Seth Reichlin Senior vice president, state government relations Director of academic affairs, University of Texas System Senior vice president, quality coaching Craig Robinson Craig Robinson President, Alabama State University Quinton Ross Jr., Ed.

D. Quinton Ross Jr., Ed. D.

Yustina Saleh Yustina Saleh Browse insights Browse insights More than 100 Strada Scholars graduate in Class of 2026 The students’ college education was supported by the Strada HBCU Initiative, which focuses on leadership development and elevating the transformative influence of historically Black colleges and universities. Forty-seven HBCUs partner with Strada as part of the initiative. Work-Based Learning: Who Gets Paid?

Work-based learning is linked to better early career outcomes, including higher earnings and greater likelihood of securing college-level employment.

As part of the 2025 State Opportunity Index, states were benchmarked using student-reported participation in at least one of five types of paid work-based learning at public two- and four-year institutions: internships, apprenticeships, co-ops, practica, and undergraduate research experiences.

Entry-Level Hiring in the AI Era: What Employers Are Thinking (and Doing) To understand better how entry-level hiring is evolving in the early AI era Strada Institute for the Future of Work surveyed nearly 1,500 executives and senior talent leaders across the country.

A look back and the path forward: Insights from the HBCU Initiative As Strada’s eight-year investment in historically Black colleges and universities reaches its halfway point, the partner institutions and students involved reflect on how it helps students connect their education to economic opportunity.

Champions of Student-Centered Enrollment Management In partnership with Strada, an action group of enrollment management leaders, financial aid administrators, admissions professionals, and student advocates from across higher education came together in 2025 to develop the Student-Centered Enrollment Management Principles.

Student-Centered Enrollment Management Principles Throughout 2025, enrollment management leaders, financial aid administrators, admissions professionals, and student advocates from across higher education came together to develop shared Principles to rethink institutional enrollment management practices grounded in price transparency.

The Price Transparency Imperative: Rebuilding Confidence in Higher Education This report shows that a large part of the uneasiness students and families feel stems from an inability to determine whether postsecondary education is actually affordable.

And while providing more clarity and greater transparency will help address some of the confusion, rebuilding trust may also require significant structural reforms around price modeling, financial aid packaging, and communications.

Framework for Effective Employer Intermediaries: Endorsers In partnership with Strada, an action group of intermediary organization leaders, researchers, and policy experts came together in 2025 to define and guide the practice of employer intermediaries in order to grow work-based learning opportunities.

Maximizing the Value of Internships: Advice From Employers This report provides actionable guidance for talent acquisition, learning and development, human resources, and workforce strategy leaders. It is designed for employers who already see internships as valuable, but who are seeking clearer frameworks, stronger alignment to business priorities, and more consistent ways to articulate and measure program value.

Building the data infrastructure for Workforce Pell: A roadmap for states and institutions The newly launched Model Workforce Pell Data Framework offers a practical roadmap for a robust data infrastructure aligned across education and workforce systems.

How employers can embrace the time-tested benefits of work-based learning The practice of learning on the job has been around for centuries, but its capacity to prepare learners for the workforce and expose businesses to emerging talent is generating modern excitement.

How Mississippi made locally led coaching happen statewide With dedicated career coaches in 90 percent of its public high schools, the state connects learners with information about education pathways to high-demand, high-wage jobs.

Scaling Work-Based Learning: A Framework for Effective Employer Intermediaries The Framework for Effective Employer Intermediaries defines employer intermediaries not by organization type but rather by the functions they perform to help employers design, implement, and scale work-based learning programs.

Celebrating the mentors who coached, cheered, and cajoled us in our journeys For January’s National Mentoring Month, Strada staff reflected on how mentors in all their forms have shaped our journeys as students and professionals.

2025: What excites us at the intersection of education and work Large-scale systems-level change requires sustained attention and dedication, so when Strada looks back at progress made over the past year, we are inspired by moments that point toward a future in which every person — no matter where they start — can envision a way ahead that is filled with opportunity.

21 national organizations endorse Principles for Quality Education-to-Career Guidance and Coaching The Principles identify essential strategies for supporting students through quality education-to-career guidance as they transition from education to employment. Measuring state progress in connecting education with opportunity.

How one state makes education-to-employment data more accessible Home to one of the nation’s leading longitudinal data systems, Minnesota’s publicly available dashboards are designed to help policymakers and students alike. Brief: Does occupational training pay off for students?

The recent enactment of Workforce Pell grants for short-term, occupational training highlights the need to address the question of whether noncredit occupational training pays off for students. Affiliates and strategic partnerships: 5 questions for Strada’s Beth Cobert While overseeing the organization’s portfolio of affiliates, Cobert also leads multiyear partnerships with mission-aligned nonprofit organizations.

Increasing college cost and value transparency for students and families This letter is a response to a Request for Information (RFI), “Increasing College Cost and Value Transparency for Students and Families.

” State Opportunity Index event brings together state leaders, highlights promising approaches More than 300 education and industry leaders from 36 U.S. states came together to learn from one another about how states are connecting education after high school with economic opportunity.

New Report: Vast Majority of Recent Public College Graduates See Return on College Investment Within 10 Years The 2025 State Opportunity Index Looks at Achievement After Graduation Principles for Quality Education-to-Career Guidance: Endorsers The following organizations have endorsed the Principles for Quality Education-to-Career Guidance. We asked these organizations: How can the Guiding Principles support your work?

Here are some of their responses. Brief: Understanding Tuition Discounting at Public Institutions A practice called tuition discounting has become a key tactic for public institutions seeking to enroll students and generate revenue. It can leave students, families, and the general public confused about what college actually costs.

Quality Coaching: 5 questions for Strada’s Craig Robinson ‘For many, having someone in your corner who knows how to translate dreams into plans can make all the difference. ’ Policy solutions: 5 questions for Strada’s Gabriella Gómez Over the course of her career, Strada Executive Vice President Gabriella Gómez has focused on how to use federal and state policy to provide better access to opportunities in education.

From co-ops to apprenticeships, a deeper look at 7 types of work-based learning A recently released Strada report analyzed survey data from seniors enrolled at public four-year universities and colleges about a portion of the universe of work-based learning experiences.

Data, internships, agility: Virginia’s recipe for a thriving regional workforce The components are industry leaders that have the skilled workers they need, education and training providers that understand employers’ needs, and strong collaboration between those employers and educators.

Internships and Beyond: Strengthening Career Value Across Diverse Models of Work-Based Learning One of the most promising strategies for helping students connect their education to career opportunities is giving students the opportunity to participate in off-campus learning experiences that are aligned with their field of study. Unfortunately, these work-based learning experiences remain too scarce.

Work-Based Learning: 5 questions for Strada’s Laura Love For learners, work-based learning improves access to a network, skills, and real-life work scenarios. For employers, it lowers the cost to hire and increases retention.

Leaders from 40 states gather to discuss how to collect employment outcome data The largest meeting of the Postsecondary Employment Outcomes Coalition brought together postsecondary leaders from colleges, universities, state agencies, and other institutions.

Amid the questions about the value of college, we also can find lots of answers A new Roadtrip Nation documentary, “Rethinking Higher Ed,” asks: What is required to ensure the path provides the most value for each person? Where do students find guidance as they chose their path? How can we be sure every learner has a guide?

What States Should Know About Education and Work — But Don’t States invest billions of dollars on education and training, but most can’t answer fundamental questions about which programs lead to good jobs and how well programs meet employer needs. By making enhancements to the workforce data they already collect, states could answer these questions and more.

Class of 2025 includes first cohort of Strada Scholars This year the Strada HBCU Initiative celebrates its fourth year — a milestone that includes the graduation of many students in the first cohort of Strada Scholars.

Cost Confusion: Americans’ Misperceptions of College Costs College costs and concerns about affordability are persistent barriers for individuals interested in pursuing an education after high school, with 77 percent of adults believing college is unaffordable and most people significantly overestimating the cost of public institutions, both two-year and four-year.

What we’ve learned from the State Opportunity Index — and what comes next One year after its release, Strada CEO and President Stephen Moret reflects on what has been learned so far and what to expect in the next iteration. The invisible barrier: how restrictions on majors influence career paths How a student chooses a college major is often the result of personal factors, such as interests, strengths, or education and career guidance.

Testimony on reauthorizing WIOA: How better data can improve outcomes for everyone Strada CEO and President Stephen Moret testified before the House Committee on Education and Workforce about reauthorizing the nation’s main workforce development legislation — the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA.

HBCU Initiative: 5 questions for Strada’s Daryl Graham The senior vice president of HBCU and engagement discusses how a $25 million investment created a community of students who learn from one another while celebrating the legacy of HBCUs. Strada board of trustees elects Ernest J. Newborn II as new chair The longtime insurance brokerage executive and Strada trustee begins his second term as board chair.

Strada awards 8 grants focused on quality education-to-career guidance The institutions receiving the grants will develop innovative approaches to career services and share their knowledge and experiences with other schools.

Celebrating the best of the past, striving for the best of the future In 2025, Strada’s look and brand image will change to reflect our commitment to working with focus, connection, curiosity, agility, and optimism — qualities that will guide us and undergird all our efforts.

Preparing college students for career success Strada is extending an invitation for each institution to participate in the State Opportunity Index survey and to receive confidential and benchmarked results, free of cost.

Why college cost transparency is the future of higher ed Hundreds of institutions have come together to provide simple and clear pricing and financial aid information to students and families as part of the College Cost Transparency Initiative.

Strada appoints Beth Cobert as president, affiliates and strategic partnerships Cobert, who has extensive public and private sector experience, will oversee the Strada affiliates and relationships with other nonprofits. With internships, the issue is supply, not demand Even though internships impart a strong labor market advantage that tends to persist after graduation, the nation’s supply of internships has not kept up with demand.

A new report provides insights. Strada’s agenda lays out ambitious steps for improving education and employment systems so students realize the economic value of their education and employers have the talent they need to fill jobs. Principles for Quality Education-to-Career Guidance Guidance in connecting education to a career can make the difference in improving completion and postcompletion outcomes.

When grounded in effective practices including proactive outreach and comprehensive support, coaching is associated with improved persistence and graduation rates. Strada’s report, Quality Coaching, looks at students’ experiences across three elements of quality coaching and we examine the experiences of recent graduates. The report also offers insights to leaders, practitioners, and others seeking to improve students’ career outcomes.

10 elements for state data systems Strada worked closely with state data agencies and higher education executives to identify 10 critical elements that contribute to the capacity of state data systems. Clear outcomes: 6 questions for Strada's Jon Furr The organization’s chief data ecosystem officer says education-to-employment data help individuals make informed decisions about college and workforce training.

Industry veterans-turned mentors ease path to students’ first jobs Mentors in Tech, supported by a Strada grant, recruits veterans from the Seattle region’s robust tech industry to mentor students at the area’s small, affordable, open-access colleges.

Strada appoints 3 postsecondary education, workforce development experts to board Building Better Internships The Building Better Internships report looks at the latest findings from the National Survey of College Internships, a survey developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions.

Strada appoints 2 leaders for quality coaching, work-based learning Both Robinson and Love will support the foundation’s efforts to conduct research and develop policy solutions. Led by Arizona State University, Work+Collective reimagines student work Through the Arizona State-led Work+Collective, more than a dozen institutions are injecting mentorship and career development skills into students’ employment.

Strada appoints Justin Draeger as senior vice president, affordability Draeger, who is an expert in federal financial aid systems, will lead the foundation's efforts to make post-high school education less expensive.

2024 State Opportunity Index The State Opportunity Index was developed to help states build a stronger connection between education after high school and equitable pathways to opportunity so students realize the full value of their education and employers have the workforce they need to fill high-demand jobs.

Talent Disrupted: an interview with Strada CEO Stephen Moret 'Colleges and universities, states, and our country can do more to help prepare students for the critical transition from college to the labor market. ’ The report offers a comprehensive picture of how college graduates fare in the job market over their first decade of employment after college. In honor of National Mentoring Month, a salute to our mentors The gift of time.

A recognition of talent. A helping hand. How our mentors helped shape us as people and professionals.

A few Strada staff members share their thoughts. Strada appoints Heather McKay to direct Institute for the Future of Work The former executive director of the Virginia Office of Education Economics has expertise with many workforce development topics.

Community college, biotech companies partner to prepare students for careers MiraCosta College’s Increase Diversity, Equity, and Advancement in Biotechnology program, funded in part by a grant from Strada, includes a unique partnership between the college and two local biotech employers.

Webinar: Value of community colleges extends beyond completion rates A report indicates both success and the need for improvement on the part of community colleges in meeting students’ varied goals Community college, dental insurer come together to address hygienist shortage The community college learning lab and dental clinic is now a newly refurbished space where dental hygiene students refine their technique on mannequins outfitted with realistic incisors, molars, and cuspids.

The clinic was remodeled through a partnership with Delta Dental of Rhode Island and supported by a $400,000 grant from Strada Education Foundation. The Power of Work-Based Learning Applied connections between education and work are increasingly a part of undergraduate education in the United States.

Strada appoints Kathleen Smith as senior vice president, federal government relations The education policy advocate brings extensive federal experience to shape policy solutions that strengthen pathways to opportunity.

New Strada grant aids those who help students and families complete FAFSA A new and improved Free Application for Federal Student Aid should help more students and their families access money to pay for college, but presents challenges for those who help students complete it.

Microcredentials empower students at The University of Texas at Austin The credentialing program, supported by a grant from Strada, gives students training that makes them more attractive to prospective employers and graduate schools. Microcredentials offer career-aligned path for liberal arts students Nine University of Texas campuses now offer microcredentials, funded in part from a Strada grant challenge.

How The University of Texas at Arlington prepares students for immediate employment A program partially funded by Strada’s Beyond Completion Challenge enables students to earn a valuable Google Career Certificate and take Adobe Certified Professional exams.

A Texas-sized push for microcredentials at a state university system The University of Texas System puts programs in place at nine campuses for students to earn additional certificates and skills badges that should be desirable for employers.

The Value of Community Colleges: Recent Students’ Motivations and Outcomes To better understand the value community colleges provide to individuals and communities, we need to acknowledge the range of needs they serve.

Study assesses community college students’ views on value of their education A new Strada research report indicates that community college attendees have mixed opinions on the value of their education from those institutions.

Strada announces leadership appointments for policy, advocacy, communications Reindl, Rigdon, and Valle-Palacios will head newly established teams that will focus on collaboratively shaping policy at the state and federal levels to create pathways to opportunity for more people.

An interview with College Futures Foundation's Eloy Ortiz Oakley The foundation’s president and CEO and former chancellor of the California Community Colleges explored a Strada report that captures factors that motivated recent alumni to enroll in community college.

National organization preparing states for better (but later) FAFSA Major changes in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, combined with an expected delay in its release, are combining to intensify the work of spreading the word about the updated form.

Strada expands historic partnership with HBCUs to help develop next generation of leaders The initiative,designed to support aspiring leaders at HBCUs through scholarships and work-based learning opportunities, expands to 50 schools.

Strada names Aristide Collins Jr. its first chief administration officer, chief of staff The higher ed leader will provide collaborative leadership to help Strada strengthen the link between education and opportunity in America. From College to Career: Students’ Internship Expectations and Experiences ​​A wide range of experiences prepare students for success beyond the completion of their college degree.

The evidence for the value of interning on students' future careers is strong. Strada receives diversity, equity, and inclusion workplace certification The recognition, awarded to Strada plus all four organizations that make up Strada Collaborative — CAEL, Education at Work, InsideTrack, and Roadtrip Nation — signals continued prioritization of DEI efforts.

Michael Austin named Strada’s chief financial officer, executive vice president Austin will assume the role permanently after leading Strada’s financial operations through a leadership and strategy transition as interim CFO.

Employer and Community College Partnerships: Models and Practices for Supporting Students and Strengthening the Workforce In an era of student enrollment declines, tight labor markets, rising college costs, and a growing lack of confidence in the value of a postsecondary education, community colleges and employers have ample reasons to partner together.

Trends in Employer Partnerships With Community Colleges: Insights From Strada's National Grant Challenge Partnerships between community colleges and employers have the opportunity to address local and regional economic needs through a range of tools, including supporting student success through resources and services, integrating work-based learning, and building career pathways.

Jonathan Furr to join Strada as its first chief data ecosystem officer The innovative leader brings an extensive track record of navigating through challenges to create effective education-to-employment data systems.

Gabriella Gómez to join Strada as executive vice president for policy, advocacy, communications The postsecondary education policy leader will oversee the nonprofit organization’s advocacy work with state and federal policymakers.

$6 million awarded to expand programs aimed at student success beyond college completion Three-year grants awarded to four institutions will support the expansion of programs designed to help learners succeed during and after completion of their degree or credential. Strada names Rhonda Powell as new general counsel, executive vice president The experienced corporate