Daily Lumina News 060320

In the days since George Floyd died while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department, college presidents and others have been issuing statements of anguish and solidarity with protesters.
In this interview, three college leaders reflect on the singular challenges of the moment, the role of higher education in such times, and where hope might be found.

For years, Colorado has funded its public higher education institutions primarily by how many students they can enroll. Now the state instead will weigh more heavily on how well an institution is serving its students.
College leaders say the change will align resources to state goals and help encourage institutions to provide resources for the neediest students to complete their education.

Amy Nelson, a student in Henderson, Nevada, has earned high-demand industry certifications on her way to a bachelor’s degree in data management.
She's not alone. The toll being taken on the economy by the coronavirus pandemic is giving microcredentials a huge burst of momentum. A lot of people will need more education to get back into the workforce, and they’ll need to get it quickly, at the lowest possible cost and in subjects directly relevant to available jobs.

Jerranisha Marshall was working as a cashier at her local Fresh Market and trying not to get too discouraged about the future post-high school when the universe delivered her both the complicating factor of the pandemic and a path forward.
In August, she will be one of up to 100 new high school graduates to attend Next Level NOLA, a free program designed to provide young adults with a unique “bridge year” that school leaders hope will put them on firmer ground in pursuing their postsecondary options.