April 1st, 2025 – Public Agenda, a non-profit research-to-action organization dedicated to creating a democracy that works for everyone, announced today it has received $730,000 in new funding to support its Economic Mobility Through Higher Education initiative. The grants, including $365,000 each from College Futures Foundation and Greater Texas Foundation, will advance understanding of how the most effective colleges and universities are succeeding in enabling students from low income families to achieve economic mobility.
“Economic mobility is essential for sustaining the hope that undergirds our democracy, and the colleges and universities successfully promoting it are not always places with national attention” said Andrew Seligsohn, President of Public Agenda. “By enhancing our understanding of how institutions successfully drive economic mobility for those who most need it, we can help policymakers and education leaders bolster the prospects of people in the communities they serve.”
As part of this growing body of work, Public Agenda will develop case studies of institutions in California and Texas that most effectively drive economic mobility, including two year colleges and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Findings from these site visits will be rolled into our existing body of resources, which will be shared widely with institutions, advocates, and policymakers to drive maximum impact.
“Economic mobility should go beyond something hoped for—it should be an expectation for every learner,” said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President & CEO of College Futures Foundation. “This research will highlight how institutions are moving the needle and provide a roadmap of exactly what is working that others can follow, ensuring more learners—especially those who are underserved—are on paths to prosperity.”
“We are committed to ensuring all Texas learners have access to and succeed in postsecondary education, and thereby poised to maximize economic opportunities,” said Sue McMillin, President and CEO of Greater Texas Foundation. “The insights Public Agenda draws from these case studies will be crucial in guiding institutions to strategically improve economic mobility for learners and ultimately power the Texas economy.”
Public Agenda will share additional key information, including findings and other resources, as the project continues. For the most up-to-date information, please visit publicagenda.org.
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About Public Agenda
Public Agenda is a national research-to-action organization that digs deep into the key challenges facing our democracy to uncover insights and solutions. Founded in 1975 by the social scientist and public opinion research pioneer Dan Yankelovich and former secretary of state Cyrus Vance, we engage with advocates, journalists, policymakers, and the philanthropic community to ensure public voice is heard in conversations that shape our shared future.
About College Futures Foundation
College Futures Foundation believes in the power of postsecondary opportunity. They believe that securing the postsecondary success of students facing the most formidable barriers will ensure that all of us can thrive—our communities, our economy, and our state. They believe that the equitable education system of the future, one that enables every student to achieve their dreams and participate in an inclusive and robust economy, will be realized if we are focused, determined, and active in our leadership and partnership. They use a wide variety of human and financial resources and tools—including nearly $20 million in grants annually—to work toward their mission.
About Greater Texas Foundation
Greater Texas Foundation is a private foundation based in Bryan, Texas, that supports efforts to ensure all Texas students are prepared for, have access to, persist in, and complete a postsecondary education. Since its 2001 inception, the foundation has approved more than $150 million in grants to support Texas students. For more information, visit https://www.greatertexasfoundation.org/
