Lumina Foundation is working to increase the share of adults in the U.S. labor force with college degrees or other credentials of value leading to economic prosperity.
Despite making up 47 percent of the workforce in the United States, women constitute less than five percent of workers in skilled construction trades. The few women who land apprenticeships in a skilled trade often face bullying, harassment, and low-level work opportunities. Recently, however, nonprofit groups offering “preapprenticeships” and other programs have made some progress in changing the culture of construction worksites and improving access for women, nearly doubling the share of women in skilled trades.
Now, advocates say those efforts are under threat from the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Affinity graduations, many of them decades-long traditions at their institutions, aim to celebrate the achievements of students who have been historically unwelcome in higher education. They also tend to feature culturally appropriate music, food, and dancing, allowing students to celebrate in an environment that is familiar and comfortable.
But the celebrations have faced right-wing backlash recently. This year, colleges are scrapping affinity graduation celebrations altogether as Trump targets diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and state bans take effect. However, new traditions may be starting.
Higher education is designed to be a space for open inquiry and disagreement, but encouraging students to engage in constructive dialogue can be a challenge.
A class at the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies has come up with a novel idea to tackle this issue head-on by putting students on a train to crisscross the nation, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone as they visit historic sites, interact with strangers, discuss polarizing topics, and learn to develop empathy across differences.
As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on higher education and pressures universities to eliminate programs related to diversity and equity, some Boston students say they’re looking to Historically Black Colleges and Universities as a refuge.
HBCUs have long held broad appeal for Black students as places to build community and grow skills in a space where race is not a focus. Student interest surged following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision that effectively banned affirmative action, boosting applications and enrollment at HBCUs. Now, the current polarizing political climate is driving additional interest.
"Brian" came to the United States from Mexico when he was just two years old. He had no idea how he would pay for a four-year degree until he won a scholarship designed for undocumented students like him. A business management major, he graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in 2020 and now lives in Virginia, where he works in education policy and also owns several rental properties.
College graduates like Brian with temporary immigration statuses might not be the primary focus of President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation effort, but they are no less alarmed by the forced removal of those with similar vulnerability.
As with many cities and towns, if an economy doesn’t change with the times, opportunities for work and personal growth can stagnate. Change is crucial.
For the mayor of Spokane, Washington, that means pulling together community thought leaders who are connecting local residents to education, training, and career opportunities that can put them on a pathway to economic mobility and prosperity.
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