Promising Practices

University of Southern Indiana

Fortifying a Workforce for the Future

Through an intensive initiative that enhances an existing state free-tuition program, this university supports students in middle and high school as they prepare for college to meet the demands of a more dynamic, diverse workforce.

Washington State University Tri-Cities

Making University Life Fun While Supporting Student Success

A university incentivizes student participation in campus groups, organizations, activities, and events in the hopes of improving retention and graduation rates as well as academic performance among students, particularly first-generation and minority students.

University of South Carolina Upstate

‘Moving Up’ Students With Push for Career Readiness

This university’s focus on social mobility and a culture of success for all students resulted in a new initiative that pulls together faculty, staff, and employers to concentrate on career readiness to prepare the students for success now and in the future.

University of Northern Iowa

Personalized Partnership Helps Nontraditional Students Achieve Bachelor’s Degrees

Distance-learning partnerships in higher education level the academic playing field for nontraditional and place-bound students who want to earn bachelor’s degrees.

Colorado State University – Pueblo

Removing Financial Barriers for Underserved Students With Promise

To remove financial barriers to higher education, this university laid the foundation for two programs that offer free tuition to students whose families fall in the low- and moderate-income brackets and are in underserved communities.

Oakland University

Revitalizing a City Through a University and Community Partnership

A partnership between this university and this urban center is building back the community’s economic and cultural pillars while enhancing experiential learning opportunities for university students.

Sam Houston State University

Supporting First-Gen Students From Application to Graduation

A Texas university leverages its existing services, faculty, staff, and alumni to provide a one-stop-shop experience where first-generation students can get the assistance they need throughout their postsecondary education journey.

Stockton University

University Partners With Businesses for Enriching Summer Work Experience

A university uses the relationship-building experience from its community engagement efforts to build a summer workforce development program that benefits the local economy and university students predominantly representing underserved populations.

Using a Biomedical Research Pathway to Diversify STEM Fields

This university partners with a local school district to introduce students from underrepresented minority communities to biomedical research ideas and methodologies as a way of building diversity in STEM careers.