Daily Lumina News 012522

About 43 million people share the nation’s $1.5-trillion student-debt load, and research suggests that borrowers of color see the greatest drag on their future prospects.
More than 110 student body presidents from across the country are now calling on the Biden administration to take action on student loan forgiveness. Such action, they contend, would promote racial equity, spur economic recovery, and encourage educational access.

The pandemic continues to create massive disruptions for community colleges and their students, from steep enrollment losses to mental health challenges.
On this episode of In the Margins, Sandra L. Kurtinitis of the Community College of Baltimore County talks about CCBC’s unique approach to operating and succeeding amid COVID-19, plus the many initiatives her colleagues are employing as part of an extensive equity agenda.

As a presidential candidate, Joe Biden proposed historic investments across the span of an American education, from pre-K to college.
Reporter Geoff Bennett offers this report card on the Biden administration's progress thus far.

Is the cost of college and what students get in return worth the price tag?
It's a question students, parents, and others are asking more and more. Karen Stout of Achieving the Dream and UNCF's Ed Smith-Lewis dissect the question of higher education's value on this podcast.

Workforce education is central to meeting the mission of today's community college.
In this interview, Chris Lowery of Ivy Tech Community College shares his thoughts on how colleges can embed career outcomes into programming offered across an institution, plus the key role community colleges play today in supporting local labor markets.

For many students, the grants and scholarships they receive determine which college they attend or whether higher education is even within reach.
But unresolved congressional budget talks mean college and universities could have a tough time this year giving admitted students a clear, timely picture of their financial aid award.