College prepares people for more than careers. It builds the knowledge, skills, and connections that strengthen communities and make our free and fair democracy work better for everyone. At Lumina, we believe that when people are equipped to think critically, navigate information, and participate fully in community life, communities thrive. That’s why we work with colleges to strengthen the connection between a college education and the life of the communities they serve.
We partner with nonpartisan networks, independent journalists and newsrooms, researchers, and educators to find what actually works in preparing people for civic life — strengthening critical thinking, building the ability to make sense of news and information, developing new community leaders, and protecting the freedom to learn and ask hard questions.
Communities are strongest when higher education prepares people for good jobs, meaningful lives, and informed participation in the decisions that shape their lives. But we know that not everyone has had an equal shot. Cost, geography, and a deliberate history of exclusion have shut too many people out — including Black Americans, Native communities, and others whose knowledge, labor, and leadership have always been part of building this country. Expanding access is not just the right thing to do; it is what a democracy that works for everyone looks like in practice.
At a moment when abuse of power and self-interested division threaten the freedoms we all depend on, higher education has never mattered more. Colleges and universities help people recognize those threats, think critically about them, and stand up for the institutions that hold our communities together: honest and open elections, a justice system that treats everyone fairly, a free press, and a government that answers to the people. Research shows that people with access to quality higher education are more likely to vote, volunteer, and show up for their neighbors.
This work belongs to all of us. Explore the organizations we partner with and find out how you can get involved—support a local news initiative in your area, share this work with a neighbor, a colleague, or a friend, learn how to incorporate civic learning into classes and programs, or bring these ideas into a conversation you are already having. If someone in your life cares about their community’s future, start there.
Jamie Merisotis argues that higher education is democracy’s safeguard against authoritarianism. By cultivating critical thinking, tolerance, and civic participation, colleges prepare citizens to resist fear-driven conformity. Education exposes people to diversity and complexity, reducing authoritarian appeal and strengthening democratic values alongside workforce skills.
Education has a long-recognized role in promoting community-driven values, like citizenship and democracy. That means working to help more people obtain credentials of value that will strengthen economic prosperity, while preserving human dignity and promoting active civic engagement.
Education is the foundation of resilient democracies everywhere. Colleges and universities nurture critical thinking, civic skills, and democratic participation. In a time of global democratic strain, colleges and universities must embrace their role in preparing active, engaged citizens. People with higher levels of education are more likely to vote, volunteer, and engage in civic life. Learn more about organizations leading the way.
The work of democracy is never finished—and higher education is essential to its future. Explore our partners, learn about Lumina’s mission, and join the effort to connect education and democracy worldwide.
