Established in 2016, Higher Learning Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC that will support and advance policy changes to increase postsecondary attainment, specifically policies that support a system of higher learning that is student-centered, equitable, outcomes-based, and focused on educational quality.

Higher Learning Advocates will work across the political aisle and with a broad array of stakeholder groups to advocate for policies that address the postsecondary needs of all of today’s students.

THE WORK

FROM HIGHER EDUCATION TO HIGHER LEARNING

Supporting and advancing policy change for a system of higher learning that is student-centered, equitable, outcomes-based, and focused on educational quality.

THEIR APPROACH

Bringing Advocacy and Policy Together

Coalitions
Analysis
Events
Voices
Communications

CRITICAL ISSUES

Advancing postsecondary attainment for all students

Quality & Outcomes

Quality is paramount, but current approaches are inadequate

Current approaches to quality assurance are focused on institutions and based on time. The nation desperately needs to evolve to a quality assurance system focused on students and based on learning. Simply put, federal policy must shift from inputs to outcomes.

Americans need smart policies that support a system that is outcomes based. Institutions and other providers of postsecondary learning must be incentivized and held accountable for student completion, equity, and employability.

Today's Students

Today’s students are different than those for whom federal policy is designed.

Today’s students are far more diverse in terms of age, race, and income. Unlike, in years past, a minority of today’s students attend residential campuses. Affordability has risen as an urgent issue impacting students, and most are working while going to school.

Americans need smart policies that support a system that works for all of today’s students. A system where educational providers and employers are connected, programs are flexible and support student success, and that all postsecondary learning is recognized.

Innovation & Affordability

The higher education landscape is undergoing significant changes.

New delivery models such as competency-based and on-line education are now common. A wider range of providers are significant players in the field. American workers require education throughout their lives to advance their careers and adapt to the increasing pace of societal change. Thus, new kinds of credentials are emerging and must be recognized. Higher education is now only one piece of a more expansive post-secondary landscape.

Americans need smart policies that support a system that is innovative and affordable. Finances should no longer prevent anyone from accessing – and completing – a postsecondary credential, and financial assistance programs need to work better for today’s students and their lives.