Agenda

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

10:00 AM	4:00 PM	Registration	Peacock Alley
		Our staff is here to ensure your experience starts smoothly. Stop by to pick up your conference badge. Our friendly staff will be available to answer any questions and provide information about the conference.

11:00 AM	3:00 PM	“Welcome Regi-ception!”
		Arriving early, no problem! Head to Peacock Alley to jumpstart your experience—grab your badge, enjoy light snacks, and connect with fellow attendees. It’s the perfect way to ease into the exciting days ahead!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

8:00 AM	5:00 PM	Registration	Ballroom Entrance

9:30 AM	10:30 AM	Networking Breakfast	Peacock Alley
		Peacock Alley

10:40 AM	11:00 AM	Opening Remarks	Ballroom
		Bill Moses, The Kresge Foundation
		Mamie Voight, Institute for Higher Education Policy

11:00 AM	11:30 AM	Reflections, Lessons, and the Road Ahead: A Conversation with Margaret Spellings and Jamie Merisotis
		Jamie Merisotis, Lumina Foundation
		Margaret Spellings, Bipartisan Policy Center

11:30 AM	11:45 AM	Break

11:45 AM	12:45 AM	Breakout Sessions: Celebrating the Attainment Movement
		These sessions will highlight key successes, innovative strategies, and the dedicated efforts that have propelled progress.

		States as Catalysts in the Attainment Movement	Franklin Study
		Get an insider’s look at the crucial role states have played in national progress toward educational attainment. Hear from a powerhouse panel of policy experts and state leaders as they share their on-the-ground experience launching ambitious agendas, leveraging networks, building momentum, and driving measurable increases in attainment for their communities. Dive into the mechanics of state policy, funding, and capacity development—and learn how to scale, adapt, and sustain progress in your own context.

		Building a Foundation to Address Students’ Food, Housing, Childcare, and Transportation Needs	Jefferson/Reagan/Wilson
		Many college students struggle to afford essentials like food, housing, childcare, and transportation, which directly affects their ability to stay in school and succeed. This session will focus on how addressing these challenges is essential to advancing student success and strengthening the attainment movement. Expert panelists will share examples of effective approaches at the institutional and state levels, emphasizing the critical role of student voices and advocacy in driving meaningful solutions.

		Reimagining Transfer: Advancing Attainment with the Associate Degree for Transfer	Adams/Kennedy
		A robust transfer pathway between community colleges and four-year universities has long been envisioned as an accessible and affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. This session will showcase student-centered initiatives in California, New York, and Virginia that have been instrumental in building more seamless transfer pathways. Discover the evidence-based practices that are reshaping transfer pathways and advancing attainment for all students.

		Powering Attainment through Place-Based Civic and Workforce Partnerships	Patton
		Civic and workforce place-based partnerships are a powerful strategy for increasing postsecondary attainment, particularly for historically underserved communities. This session will highlight successful collaborations between higher education institutions and community organizations and their impact on student success. Speakers will discuss how place-based partnerships create sustainable pathways to educational and economic mobility, sharing actionable strategies and lessons participants can use to strengthen their own community-based efforts.

		Proven Models to Support Adult Learners through Degree Completion	Washington/Roosevelt
		Gain valuable insights into creating pathways for adult learners to achieve their educational goals, grounded in the lived experiences of returning adult students. Learn how innovative programs and tailored initiatives have supported students through degree completion after a pause in their studies along and hear from students about their personal experiences of overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. Leaders from across the field will reflect on the successes and lessons learned through program implementation and participants will leave with actionable strategies for

		Designing Short-Term Workforce Credentials that Deliver	Lincoln Library
		Short-term workforce credentials are gaining traction as a strategy for rapidly upskilling students and connecting them to the workforce. Intentional design is required to ensure credentials lead to strong employment outcomes and economic mobility. This session will explore strategies for structuring short-term credentials that balance workforce demands with quality and financial aid considerations to make short-term credentials work for students and employers.

		Intentional Excellence: Advancing Student Success and Institutional Improvement	Grant
		Creating meaningful change in student success requires more than good intentions–it demands strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making, and intentional institutional transformation. The discussion will draw on exemplars recognized by The Seal of Excelencia, which certifies institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino students. Join expert speakers to learn about the role of leadership, strategic investment, and data-driven approaches in boosting retention and completion rates.

12:45 PM	1:30 PM	Lunch	Ballroom

1:30 PM	2:15 PM	Redefining Postsecondary Value: Education as a Pathway to Opportunity and Prosperity	Ballroom
		As the landscape of higher education evolves, so too must our understanding of its value. This plenary will explore the multifaceted concept of postsecondary value, examining how higher education contributes to individual opportunity, community well-being, and economic independence, and prosperity. Panelists will explore how institutions, employers, and policymakers can work together to ensure education delivers meaningful outcomes—helping learners build fulfilling careers and prosperous lives.
		Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed (retired; moderator)
		Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District
		Cheryl Oldham, Bipartisan Policy Center
		Aaron Thompson, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

2:15 PM	2:30 PM	Accelerating Attainment Through a Focus on Value	Ballroom
		Elizabeth González, College Futures Foundation
		Jamey Rorison, Gates Foundation

2:30 PM	2:45 PM	Break

2:45 PM	3:45 PM	Breakout Sessions: Accelerating the Attainment Movement
		The afternoon breakout sessions will focus on actionable, data-informed strategies and policy innovations for driving continued progress in the attainment movement.

		Advancing Postsecondary Access: Legal Insights and Actionable Strategies	Washington/Roosevelt
		Institutional policies and practices directly impact who accesses and completes degrees, shaping the future of America’s workforce. As institutions navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape, they must remain committed to expanding opportunities for more students to enroll and succeed. With the stakes higher than ever, expert speakers will discuss the challenges institutions are facing in the current environment, how to reduce reliance on commonly used admissions criteria, and evidence-based strategies for broadening postsecondary access—all with the goal of advancing attainment.

		Fueling Attainment Through HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs	Patton
		Fueling Attainment Through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions: This session will explore the critical role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in fueling college attainment. The discussion will explore how government funding can and must support their students’ success. It will also identify opportunities to increase and strategically leverage investments in these critical institutions to drive higher degree attainment. Panelists will articulate actionable strategies and policy opportunities to ensure MSIs can continue to empower Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian American and Pacific Islander students and contribute to national attainment goals.

		Harnessing Data to Ensure Strong Outcomes for All Students	Franklin Study
		In an era of evolving federal data landscapes, this session will dive deeper into how postsecondary value should be measured and how policymakers can ensure that colleges are delivering strong outcomes to students. Join experts as they discuss postsecondary value, the need for accountability systems, and how to design those systems in ways that balance universal standards with the diverse needs of institutions and students.

		Shaping the Future of Work: How Colleges and Employers Can Partner to Propel Economic Prosperity	Lincoln Library
		As we look to the future, the role of postsecondary education in driving economic prosperity has never been more critical. Working people and businesses alike count on postsecondary education to equip learners with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing labor market. This session will explore how career-connected postsecondary education can prepare students, institutions, and employers for the future of work.

		Supporting Student Mental Health: Policies and Practices for Advancing Attainment	Grant
		Mental health is a key factor in students’ ability to persist and complete degrees. During this session, panelists, including students, advocates, and institutional leaders, will share actionable, scalable strategies for integrating mental health services into existing student success frameworks, tackling stigma, and breaking down barriers to access care. You’ll also hear powerful firsthand accounts from students about their experiences, shedding light on how institutions can better support mental health to ensure all students can earn their degree.

		(More) Disruption Ahead: Navigating Higher Education’s Shifting Landscape	Jefferson/Reagan/Wilson
		Higher education is at a crossroads shaped by rapid changes in technology, demographics, and evolving economic pressures. In this session, we will examine the disruptive forces transforming the landscape, from staff capacity and burnout, institutional mergers and closures, to the rise of AI in the classroom and the search for sustainable business models. Panelists will dig into these challenges and opportunities and explore how institutions can adapt and innovate in this era of unprecedented change.

		Past as Prologue: What have we learned from past affordability reforms, and what should we take into the future?	Adams/Kennedy
		Decades of affordability reforms have shaped our system of higher education, providing a wealth of lessons for future progress. In this session, panelists will reflect on key policy innovations—from income-driven repayment models to investments in Pell Grants and state Promise programs. Together, they’ll unpack what has worked, what has not, and how we can apply these lessons to build a more accessible, affordable, and sustainable future for students.

3:45 PM	4:00 PM	Break

4:00 PM	4:15 PM	Giving Voice to Progress	Ballroom
		Stephanie Banchero, The Joyce Foundation

4:15 PM	5:00 PM	Investing in Impact: A Town Hall on Philanthropy’s Role in Higher Education	Ballroom
		Join a collaborative conversation with leading higher education funders in this interactive Town Hall. This session offers a platform to contribute to a forward-thinking discussion on philanthropy’s role in today’s evolving higher education landscape, explore the challenges and opportunities in driving postsecondary attainment, and participate in a direct exchange with funders to catalyze bold, systemic change. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to actively engage with funders, ask pressing questions, and help shape the conversation about the next chapter of the attainment movement.
		Jee Hang Lee, Association of Community College Trustees (moderator)
		Michelle Asha Cooper, Lumina Foundation
		Patrick Methvin, Gates Foundation
		Bill Moses, The Kresge Foundation

5:00 PM	5:15 PM	A Toast to Accelerating Attainment	Ballroom
		Kristin J. Boyer, Trellis Foundation
		Keith Witham, Ascendium Education Group

5:00 PM	7:00 PM	Opening Reception	Peacock Alley

Thursday, April 3, 2025

8:00 AM	9:00 AM	Breakfast is Served	Peacock Alley

8:30 AM	9:15 AM	Breakfast with Experts: Collaborating for Student Success	Peacock Alley
		Start your day with expert-led conversations and collaborative problem-solving about key topic areas related to postsecondary attainment over a delicious breakfast. This is your chance to collaborate, ask questions, build connections, and identify actionable strategies for advancing student success on topics ranging from student experience and belonging to AI and the role of technology.

		Table Topics
		Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies that Support Student Belonging:
		Connect with experts to discuss effective ways to support a growth-mindset and students' sense of belonging in the classroom and how these strategies can improve student outcomes.

		Supporting Practitioners Who Shape Students' Experiences:
		Dedicated professionals, including student success support staff and faculty, play a critical role in shaping students' experiences. Join a faculty member and field leader to discuss strategies for supporting the morale, professional development, and success of these individuals.

		Leveraging Data to Drive Attainment:
		Come together with leading experts to discuss strategies for establishing and maintaining a culture of data use to drive student- and value-centered decisions at the state, system, and institutional levels.

		Making Sense of the Current Federal Landscape:
		Recent federal actions undermine critical systems and programs that support students' postsecondary success. Join experts who are closely tracking these actions, their impacts, and strategies for moving forward.

		Innovation In Higher Education:
		By integrating new technology, adaptive strategies, and tailored support programs, institutions can better support students and improve overall academic success. Come discuss strategies for implementing and scaling programs that increase access and degree completion.

		AI and the Role of Technology:
		Technological advancements are shaping higher education and the workforce. Learn how leaders are approaching the use of AI and how it will shape the next phase of the attainment movement.

9:15 AM	9:30 AM	Break

9:30 AM	9:40 AM	Student Welcome
		David Ramirez, Recent University of California, Los Angeles Graduate

9:40 AM	9:55 AM	Igniting the Next Phase of the Attainment Movement	Ballroom
		Stephen Handel, ECMC Foundation

9:55 AM	10:45 AM	Finding Common Ground: Navigating Dynamic Environments in Support of Student Success	Ballroom
		Funding cuts, policy shifts, and political tensions call for strong leadership, clear vision, and the ability to build consensus. This session brings together leaders who have successfully navigated challenging environments to push for progress and student-focused solutions. Through candid discussion and real-world examples, panelists will share strategies for fostering collaboration, communicating the value of higher education, and leading with clarity and resolve. Attendees will gain practical tools to navigate their own leadership challenges and push forward student-focused solutions.
		Jon Marcus, The Hechinger Report (moderator)
		Harrison Keller, University North Texas
		Karen Stout, Achieving the Dream
		Yolanda Watson Spiva, Complete College America
		Charles L. Welch, American Association of State Colleges and Universities

10:45 AM	11:00 AM	Break

11:00 AM	11:10 AM	Student Remarks
		Bonnie Zeiler, Recent Jacksonville State University Graduate

11:10 AM	11:20 AM	Reimagining Higher Education	Ballroom
		Stephen Moret, Strada Education Foundation

11:20 AM	12:00 PM	Education as the Cornerstone of Democracy: Attainment, Value, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union	Ballroom
		This powerful closing session features former Domestic Policy Council directors who come from different sides of the political aisle yet share a commitment to democracy and education. Together, they will examine how a well-educated workforce is critical to maintaining global competitiveness, strengthening civic engagement, and ensuring a more inclusive and resilient society—and how that task has changed in recent years. They will discuss how higher education must deliver not just credentials but the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.
		Ted Mitchell, American Council on Education (moderator)
		Melody Barnes, Karsh Institute of Democracy, University of Virginia & More Perfect
		John Bridgeland, More Perfect & Office of American Possibilities

12:00 PM	12:15 PM	Closing Remarks

12:15 PM	1:15 PM	Lunch Available	Ballroom

Agenda

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Table Topics