This is the final issue brief in our series on advancing a state policy agenda for scaling evidence-based practices. It explores states can design policies that expand student supports, facilitate evidence-based success strategies, and dismantle the obstacles that impede learner progress.

HCM CEO & Founding Partner Kristin Hultquist has been appointed by U.S. Department of Education as primary negotiator for the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee.

HCM’s newest release is a two-part series that explores the updated Carnegie Classifications and the modernized framework they offer for strengthening statewide higher education policy. Designed to give states a clearer and more accessible lens into institutional impact, the series highlights how the new Classifications can inform decision-making and improve support for both students and institutions.

Kristin Hultquist moderates a panel at Student Success 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

This second issue brief in our series on advancing a state policy agenda for scaling evidence-based practices explores how different affordability design choices shape the reach and effectiveness of state efforts to improve student outcomes.

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Jaden Mikoulinskii.

This first issue brief in our series on advancing a state policy agenda to scale evidence-based student success practices focuses on the financial policies and levers state and institutional leaders can use to drive adoption and sustain impact at scale.

In recognition of National Student Month, HCM’s latest brief offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, institutions, advocacy organizations, and state agencies and coordinating boards to strengthen data collection and translate legislation into meaningful, student-centered change.

Introducing HCM’s newest policy series exploring a state policy agenda for scaling evidence-based student success practices.

Martha Snyder will co-author the second edition of Higher Education Finance Research: Policy, Politics and Practice alongside first edition author Christopher Mullin.

The Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC), SHEEO and HCM Strategists announce five states as inaugural cohort for the Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab (Rural Talent Lab).

The release of the fourth policy paper in the ongoing partnership between HCM and CHEPP.

This is the second brief in HCM’s new policy series examining pressing issues in state funding formulas and their impact on value, adequacy, and equity.  This series provides frameworks, research, and case studies examining how the role of state funding can advance state priorities and equitable student outcomes while reflecting states’ unique contexts.  

Emergency Aid, Enduring Impact: Strengthening Families, Community and the Economy through Support for Student Parents is a three-part policy brief series developed by HCM Strategists in collaboration with national experts to support Scholarship America’s National Emergency Scholarship Fund for Student Parents. The series provides a roadmap for institutions and policymakers to better support student parents—ensuring they stay enrolled, complete their education, and strengthen their families, communities, and our nation’s workforce.

HCM welcomes Madeline Price as our new Director of State Policy & Strategy.

HCM welcomes two new Senior Affiliates: Dr. Autumn Blanchard and John Fischer.

HCM CEO and Founding Partner Kristin Hultquist participated as a featured panelists in Trellis Strategies’ Affordability webinar.

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Gus Gluek!

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Rachel Rivas!

With our latest report, we’re reflecting on 25 years of Lumina Foundation’s transformative leadership and meaningful impact in state policy and higher education reform.