Postsecondary credentials are the proven path towards economic mobility, but recent polls show public perceptions of the value of postsecondary education are waning. Earlier this month, MOCAN hosted the “Centering Value in Postsecondary Education: An Action Agenda from the Postsecondary Value Commission” webinar in partnership with the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) to learn how institutions and other stakeholders can address student concerns.
IHEP is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to promoting postsecondary access and success for all students, with a focus on students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and other historically marginalized populations. Colleagues from across MOCAN’s three networks participated in the session led by Eleanor Eckerson Peters, Associate Director of Research and Policy and Janiel Santos, Research Analyst.
According to the report of the national Postsecondary Value Commission, students experience postsecondary value when provided equitable access and support to complete quality, affordable credentials that offer economic mobility and prepare them to advance racial and economic justice in our society. There were three key takeaways shared by the presenters: 1) The equitable value movement is about fulfilling higher education’s promise; 2) Everyone has a critical role to play in delivering equitable postsecondary value; and 3) The equitable value movement is leading to tangible shifts in programs and policies. Postsecondary Equity Network (PEN) partners can access the recording and materials in the PEN Portal.
