How we work
This systems-level work — from research to investing to policy and more — is meant to benefit large numbers of individuals, especially those who face the greatest challenges accessing postsecondary education and opportunity.
We engage education providers, employers, communities, policymakers, and a variety of collaborators, including funders and state, regional, and national organizations. Working alongside our partners, we are aiming for a triple win: better results for learners, more agile education and workforce systems, and stronger, more resilient economies.
The goal of our research is to help answer hard questions about postsecondary success and economic opportunity. We seek a better understanding of what students need to realize their career goals, and what employers need to build a robust talent pipeline.
We provide grants to nonprofit organizations and postsecondary education providers that are developing innovative solutions to help students and workers overcome systemic barriers and achieve success.
We share what we are learning about effective policy solutions that demonstrate how postsecondary education can create equitable pathways to opportunity, as well as work with policymakers to advance evidence-based policy and practices.
We invest in early-stage and established companies whose business models support the needs and goals of the students and workers we seek to serve.
News and insights
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.
The newly launched Model Workforce Pell Data Framework offers a practical roadmap for a robust data infrastructure aligned across education and workforce systems.
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.
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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.