Why a North Star Goal
A Clear Guiding Vision for System-Level Change
Our North Star goal anchors all strategic decisions:
By 2040 gaps in postsecondary completion are eliminated, so that underserved learners have greater opportunity for social and economic mobility.
This vision shapes how we prioritize resources, partnerships, and impact across the country.
The Challenge
Postsecondary Barriers Persist, But They Can Be Addressed
Learners continue to encounter economic hardship, completing responsibilities, limited information, and unclear pathways. These challenges influence persistence and completion across postsecondary education. Our North Star goal calls for sustained, evidence-informed approaches that strengthen systems and improve outcomes at scale.
Our Strategic Approach
How We Advance Our North Star
We advance our North Star goal through a focused, multi-pronged strategy that strengthens postsecondary systems and supports learner success. Our work centers on identifying promising ideas, supporting effective implementation, investing in solutions with potential to grow and sustain impact. Across all efforts, we prioritize evidence, collaboration, and continuous learning – ensuring that insights guide decisions and help strengthen the field over time.
What Success Looks Like
Measuring Progress and Improving Systems
We work with partners to track indicators, analyze data, and generate insights that help strengthen programs, institutions, and systems. Our learning tools support continuous improvement and guide long-term impact.