Resources and insights to support professionals working across the education sector

Wild Awake 1/12/25 Wild Awake 1/12/25

Investing in Value: Return on Investment and Workforce Success in State Postsecondary Funding

New Publication: Investing in Value: Return on Investment and Workforce Success in State Postsecondary Funding. This is the first brief in HCM’s new policy series examining pressing issues in state funding formulas including value, adequacy, and equity. This series will provide frameworks, research, and case studies examining how state funding formulas can advance state priorities and equitable student outcomes while reflecting states’ unique contexts.

Nicole Brown 11/4/24 Nicole Brown 11/4/24

The Latest Developments in State Investments in Short-term Credentials: A 2024 Update

HCM’s State Policy & Research Director, Stephanie Murphy, delves into the latest update to HCM Strategists’ 2023 typology and policy landscape analysis of recent state investments in short-term credential initiatives across the United States. States continue to embrace skills-based education as a key component of workforce development, with growing bipartisan support. As of November 2024, states have invested more than $5.6 billion in short-term credential pathways.

Nicole Brown 10/31/24 Nicole Brown 10/31/24

Building a Future of Opportunity: The Transformation Imperative in Postsecondary Education

As we close out 2024, our Partner Martha Snyder and Director Jessica Collis argue that it’s time for a transformation of our higher education system that leans into value, affordability, supports, and accountability to restore the public trust. Read their latest Insight blog for more.

Nicole Brown 10/31/24 Nicole Brown 10/31/24

A 2024 Update of State Investments in Short-term Credential Pathways

Our State Policy & Research Director, Stephanie Murphy, provides a 2024 update of her 2023 typology and policy landscape analysis of state investments in short-term credential pathways. Her latest analysis shows that over the past year, eight states have established 10 new initiatives. Overall state investments now total $5.6 billion.

Nicole Brown 10/31/24 Nicole Brown 10/31/24

Beyond Sticker Prices: How States Can Make Postsecondary Education More Affordable

Our latest postsecondary finance brief, Beyond Sticker Prices: How States Can Make Postsecondary Education More Affordable, analyzes financial aid programs and affordability-related data in nine states. This analysis, which looked across regions, populations and various financial aid models, illustrates the significant variation in affordability across states, institutions and income brackets.