News and views in higher education attainment from Lumina Foundation

Federal Policy

When it comes to student loan borrowers of color, policymakers should explore the shades of gray

The last recession consumed the modest wealth of Black and Hispanic communities, further deepening racial wealth divides and burdening college students from these communities with higher loan debt. Today, the United States is experiencing another severe economic downturn, with record-high unemployment fueled by a pandemic—and it’s affecting college affordability even more dramatically.

Wayne Taliaferro, Katherine WheatleJuly 14, 2020

Federal Policy

The story of Latino borrowers’ academic persistence is missing from state and federal policy dialogues

In an interview with Janette Martinez, a senior policy and research analyst at Excelencia in Education, I discussed the importance of Hispanic voices in policy dialogues about affordability and student borrowing.

Wayne TaliaferroJuly 14, 2020

Federal Policy

Policymaking to aid Black borrowers shouldn’t happen without Black experts in the room

In an interview with Dominique Baker, assistant professor of education policy, Simmons School of Education & Human Development, Southern Methodist University, I discussed the importance of Black voices in policy dialogues about affordability and student borrowing. Read more on Lumina’s “Borrowers of Color” project.

Wayne TaliaferroJuly 14, 2020

Federal Policy

COVID relief for higher ed has to mean serious – and long-overdue – support for student parents

The federal stimulus plan directs $6.28 billion in emergency aid to college students. The relief fund has drawn support for its novelty as well as criticism amid its restrictions and rollout. But what it does include is an additional avenue of support for a group that is often overlooked in higher ed discussions – students…

Wayne TaliaferroMay 5, 2020

Federal Policy

The rest of America could benefit as LA helps former students earn college degrees

Nearly half a million adults in the Los Angeles area have completed some college but didn’t finish their degrees, according to the U.S. Census. Nationally, the figure is about 35 million Americans, or roughly 20 percent of the population between 25 and 64. Responsibilities at work and at home can make it incredibly challenging for…

Wayne TaliaferroOct. 9, 2019

Prison Education

Let’s focus on quality and equity in higher education for incarcerated students

In a town marked by partisan gridlock, criminal justice reform conversations in Washington have surprisingly moved beyond those frequent stalemates. Yes, challenges and disagreements endure, but access to higher education for people in prison has gained new levels of attention and support. The boost in momentum has catapulted issues like restoring Pell grant access into…

Wayne TaliaferroSept. 12, 2019

Prison Education

Real justice demands a second chance — for education

April is National Second Chance Month, a month dedicated to centering the voices, experiences, and promise of people affected by the criminal justice system. It’s a time to unify around the principles of justice, fairness, and redemption.

Wayne TaliaferroApril 19, 2019

Prison Education

Prison education: Making the most of a second chance

Since 1994, when the Violent Crimes Act banned incarcerated people from receiving federal financial aid, millions of Americans have cycled through prisons, only a fraction able to obtain high-quality higher education.

Haley Glover, Jesse O'Connell, Wayne TaliaferroMarch 5, 2019

Federal Policy

Federal regulations should put today’s students first

This week, the U.S. Department of Education began negotiating regulations that govern higher education. We at Lumina Foundation care deeply about this process and its results.

Wayne TaliaferroJan. 16, 2019

Racial Equity

How colleges and states can help students caught in the pandemic ‘swirl’

Research and Evaluation

Prior learning credits help students cross the finish line to earn degrees

State Policy

States should exert their power to grant college degrees — especially for these three student groups

Student Supports

Looking past the pandemic: Educators from Michigan, Texas, and Illinois ponder the changes wrought by COVID

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Wayne Taliaferro

Federal Policy

When it comes to student loan borrowers of color, policymakers should explore the shades of gray

Federal Policy

The story of Latino borrowers’ academic persistence is missing from state and federal policy dialogues

Federal Policy

Policymaking to aid Black borrowers shouldn’t happen without Black experts in the room

Federal Policy

COVID relief for higher ed has to mean serious – and long-overdue – support for student parents

Federal Policy

The rest of America could benefit as LA helps former students earn college degrees

Prison Education

Let’s focus on quality and equity in higher education for incarcerated students

Prison Education

Real justice demands a second chance — for education

Prison Education

Prison education: Making the most of a second chance

Federal Policy

Federal regulations should put today’s students first