News and views in higher education attainment from Lumina Foundation

Featured Story

Adult Pathways

Colleges buck enrollment trends by increasing their supports for students

More than 40 million people in this country have attended college but stopped before completing a degree, and I can understand why.

Jamie MerisotisMay 29, 2023

Female college students talk with their male friend after the graduation ceremony.

Research and Evaluation

How do we bounce back from the enrollment plunge? Four colleges show the way.

A new National Student Clearinghouse report says 40.4 million Americans have some college but no degree, up from 39 million a year ago.

Courtney Brown May 24, 2023

Happy volunteers lifting wooden frame together at park stock photo

Today's Credentials

Think carefully before deciding to delay the path to or through college

Taking a break between high school and college, or in the middle of your studies, is tempting. After all, the learning process can be hard, and exhausting. But the times we are in call for caution when it comes to any delays in education.

Jamie Merisotis May 15, 2023

Featured Podcast

Student Supports

Addressing Mental Health on College Campuses

Dakota PawlickiMarch 29, 2023

Susan D. Johnson

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Susan D. Johnson

Susan D. Johnson, Ph.D., is the director of grants administration at Lumina Foundation.

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Lumina News

A Black woman’s journey to the end of the earth

That’s the question people ask about my travels to icy Antarctica. A decade ago, before it was popular to put on your bucket list, I decided to visit all seven continents before I turned 50. Of course, COVID put a damper on that, but the chance to go to Antarctica came quickly and out of…

Susan D. JohnsonMay 26, 2022

Racial Justice and Equity

At Lumina, helping ourselves first—so we can help others

Lumina Foundation decided about seven years ago to put racial equity at the heart of our work. This had always been important to us, but now it takes center stage. It is our mission as we help all Americans get a fair shot at learning, earning, and contributing their talents.

Susan D. JohnsonJan. 31, 2022

Racial Justice and Equity

Lumina grants boost racial equity efforts during crisis

I am unapologetic in my beliefs, my thoughts, and my work. Yes, it took some time to get there. It took a commitment to pushing boundaries for racial equality and inclusion. It took remaining steadfast in lifting up the voices of those who aren’t always heard.

Susan D. JohnsonMay 18, 2020

Racial Justice and Equity

Equity Narratives: Recalling my own journey as I sent my son off to college

Last semester, I sent my son off to college. People who know me will tell you that since my son was small, he's known that in 2019, he would leave home and start the next phase of his life. My job would be to equip him with the skills he needed to be successful—as a…

Susan D. JohnsonFeb. 27, 2020

Racial Justice and Equity

Case study: how Lumina sharpened its focus on eradicating systemic racism

Lumina Foundation has worked to increase its commitment to racial equity, primarily by helping its staff understand systemic racism better, according to a newly-released case study by Grantmakers for Education.

Susan D. JohnsonOct. 16, 2017

Federal Policy

Restoration of year-round Pell is a win, but the battle’s not over

When Congress voted to restore year-round Pell in the 2017 omnibus budget, some declared victory. Students can now use these funds over summer terms and potentially accelerate degree completion. While this was a definite win, the fight to keep the Pell program well-funded continues.

Susan D. JohnsonMay 5, 2017