Washington, D.C., Feb. 18, 2014—The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), one of the nation’s most effective voices in championing access and success for all students in postsecondary education, announced today its new policy priorities, which are grounded in the organization’s rich history of leadership and service and are responsive to the needs of today’s students. IHEP’s new agenda highlights the policy areas upon which the organization will focus its research and analytic expertise to inform and shape national, state, local, and institutional policy reform.
Recognizing that too many of today’s college students still encounter obstacles as they attempt to access and matriculate through postsecondary education, IHEP is aligning its future work on four priorities:
- Elevating effective pathways for increased degree attainment.
- Enhancing affordability and reshaping college finance systems.
- Promoting and improving meaningful accountability and consumer awareness.
- Supporting communities and critical institutions serving 21st-century students.
“Through our new policy agenda, we hope to do more than tinker at the margins. We seek real change that will give underrepresented students a real chance to access a quality, affordable education that not only transforms their lives, but also strengthens society,” said IHEP President Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D.
Moving forward, IHEP will continue investigating innovative research questions, educating key constituents, and demonstrating consistent leadership to address educational challenges that have long plagued the system. The organization is hopeful that its ability to spur innovation through its research and initiatives will further develop its relationships with policy, research, and educational leaders—domestically and internationally—who are committed to supporting IHEP’s mission.
"Amidst a rapidly changing landscape, IHEP has identified important policy directions to address some of our nation’s most pressing educational challenges,” said Art Coleman, chair of IHEP’s board of directors and managing partner and co-founder of EducationCounsel LLC. “IHEP’s policy agenda will help galvanize attention to these key issues as we work together to help make the promise of higher education a reality for all.”
For more information about IHEP’s policy priorities, visit the organization’s website at www.ihep.org.