Enhanced access to higher education and improved return on investment are more important than ever. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans owe a staggering $1.64 trillion in student loans. Those who borrow are feeling the negative impacts of student debt on their overall financial situation. The financial burden of student loans doesn’t just impact graduates – it also impacts the families they support.
At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference, panelists explored how institutions and their partners can best support the demands of modern learners in a landscape where their needs are ever evolving.
The Risepoint team was grateful to join thought leaders on this conversation and share how our mission of expanding access to flexible, workforce-aligned learning delivers real value for students and their communities.
Speakers included Dr. Samuel Darko, Associate Vice Provost at St. Thomas University (STU), a Risepoint partner; Dr. Emmanual A. Guillory, Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Council on Education (ACE); Alex Davis, Director at Whiteboard Advisors; and Adam Arguelles, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Risepoint.
‘Education isn’t one size fits all’: How to best support modern learners
The discussion focused on how to best meet the needs of modern learners, employers, and ultimately, their communities. As Dr. Emmanual A. Guillory pointed out, an organizing premise of the Higher Education Act of 1965 was the expansion of access, regardless of income or ZIP code. This should remain central to efforts across higher education, for both universities and partners. In today’s landscape, where colleges and universities are more diverse in their characteristics, missions, and the student bodies they serve, we recognize that education isn’t one size fits all. Educational policies and programs need to account for this by prioritizing affordability and flexibility.
Affordability and flexibility are at the forefront of what we do at Risepoint. As our Voice of the Online Learner report shows, these two characteristics are the most important for learners when researching and choosing an online program. Regional universities are especially challenged with meeting these learners in a market in which 10 universities and colleges control about 18% of fully online enrollment.
Dr. Samuel Darko shared valuable insights from an institutional perspective, sharing how STU navigates a highly competitive and dynamic higher education environment. Dr. Darko highlighted two key contributors to the University’s success: close connectivity with local employers for program alignment and a partnership with Risepoint for online learning. Through our partnership, STU is better able to provide the flexibility that modern learners need.
Thank you, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, for including Risepoint in such an important conversation! We’re grateful to these leaders for highlighting the imperative of expanded access to higher education.
