September 9, 2024 – Public Agenda, a non-profit research-to-action organization dedicated to creating a democracy that works for everyone, announced today it received $1,000,000 in support from ECMC Foundation to study the colleges and universities delivering exceptional economic mobility to low-income students. This work builds on Public Agenda’s prior work in this critical area.
“Economic mobility is a crucial source of the hope that is the lifeblood of any democracy,” said Andrew J. Seligsohn, President of Public Agenda. “If we know which colleges and universities are effectively advancing economic mobility and how they are doing it, policymakers and education leaders can apply those lessons to create more opportunity for everyone.”
As part of the project, Public Agenda will develop a comprehensive database of higher education institutions that will provide a basis for analyzing the factors that contribute to positive mobility outcomes. The team will also conduct on-site visits at top-ranked institutions on the Economic Mobility Index to produce additional case studies, building on our previous work. These efforts will culminate in a targeted campaign to deliver information to those best positioned to enact change.
“ECMC Foundation is pleased to support this work, which aligns with our mission of improving higher education for career success among underserved populations,” said Jacob Fraire, president of ECMC Foundation. “It is our hope that the outcomes from this project will help colleges and universities identify the key drivers of economic and social mobility that occurs from a postsecondary credential or degree.”
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 ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a national foundation whose North Star goal is to eliminate equity gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040 so that underserved learners have greater opportunity for social and economic mobility. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. ECMC Foundation makes strategic grants and program-related investments to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, guided by a strategic framework which aims to advance systemic change by removing barriers to postsecondary completion; building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and our parent company, ECMC Group, by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.
