Strada collaborates with students, policymakers, educators, and employers across the U.S. to strengthen the link between education and opportunity.
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We prioritize policies, practices, and programs that help ensure postsecondary education provides equitable pathways to opportunity.
We advance our mission through research, grantmaking, social impact investments, public policy solutions, Strada-supported nonprofit organizations, and strategic initiatives.
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The pandemic has unquestionably transformed how millions of people work, and it has caused many U.S. adults to reassess their personal and professional opportunities. The first year of the pandemic brought layoffs, furloughs, and changes in shifts, hours, and pay. By April 2021, fully half of U.S. adults saw their work change in some way, according to a May 2021 study from Strada Education Network. The number of U.S. workers leaving or changing their jobs sharply increased. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as the “Great Resignation,” has left employers, educators, workers, students, and policymakers struggling to make sense of it all during a time of rapid change.
To better understand these workforce transitions, Strada surveyed approximately 4,500 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 during spring 2022 about the employment and education changes they’ve experienced since the start of the pandemic. The authors of the study were Melissa Leavitt, Andrew R. Hanson, and Dave Clayton.
The research reveals some hopeful news. The data show nearly half of people who voluntarily sought out different employment during this period did so because of a positive, forward momentum to seek advancement, higher pay, new opportunities, or a better fit.
People also are trying to better understand the relationship between education and employment in a changing economy. In a time of economic uncertainty, we would expect to see enrollments increase, but instead they are on the decline. And for individuals without one, confidence in the value of a college degree has dropped significantly.
For employers struggling to retain their employees, training and the opportunity for career advancement can be significant factors in keeping staff. Almost three-quarters of people who quit their jobs said they would be interested in employer-provided training. Employees who advanced in their jobs or had more control over their workload or work environment expressed the greatest amount of happiness with their employment. In fact, they were significantly happier than those who received a raise.
“These findings represent a tremendous opportunity for employers,” said Leavitt, director of research at Strada. “Employers can help their employees integrate education into work and help them get on those pathways to advancement that are associated with more happiness and satisfaction.
The study also shows that postsecondary education is seen as a valuable resource for people navigating different changes and stages along their career journey. This could present a major opportunity for educators struggling to address falling enrollments.
“We may have had the relationship between job loss and education upside-down,” said Clayton, senior vice president of research at Strada. “People who advanced at work or started a new job were the most likely to enroll, compared to those who lost their jobs. This has significant implications for employers, educators, and state policymakers working to attract, retain, and develop talented workers.”
Complete results of the study can be found here.
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Strada announced the appointment of Beth Cobert as the organization’s first President of Affiliates and Strategic Partnerships.
Nationally recognized experts on postsecondary education and workforce development will provide leadership and support for Strada’s strategic plan.
Strada Education Foundation, today announced two new leadership appointments. These leaders will support the foundation’s efforts to conduct research and develop policy solutions in two critical areas: quality coaching and work-based learning.
Strada Education Foundation announced Justin Draeger will join Strada as senior vice president, affordability.
Strada Education Foundation Appoints Heather McKay to Direct Institute for the Future of Work
Veteran education policy advocate brings extensive federal experience to shape policy solutions that strengthen pathways to opportunity
Newly established teams will focus on collaboratively shaping policy at state, federal levels to create pathways to opportunity for more people
Initiative designed to support aspiring leaders at HBCUs through scholarships, work-based learning opportunities, expands to 50 schools
Veteran higher ed leader will provide collaborative leadership to help Strada strengthen the link between education and opportunity in America
The recognition, awarded to Strada plus all four supported nonprofit organizations that make up Strada Collaborative — CAEL, Education at Work, InsideTrack, and Roadtrip Nation — signals a continued prioritization of DEI efforts.
Longtime senior leader to assume role permanently after leading Strada’s financial operations through leadership, strategy transition as interim CFO
Innovative leader brings an extensive track record of navigating through challenges to create effective education-to-employment data systems
Seasoned postsecondary education policy leader to oversee nonprofit organization’s advocacy work with state and federal policymaker
Three-year grants awarded to four institutions will support expansion of programs designed to help learners succeed during and after completion of their degree or credential. These programs deploy a broad range of strategies from new technology solutions to embedded, industry-recognized credentials, which will be made available to thousands of new learners through these grants.
Veteran corporate leader brings diverse range of experience to guide Strada’s legal team and serve organization’s Board of Trustees
Two-year grants will support proven partnerships that connect learners to education and in-demand employment opportunities and strengthen regional economies.
At a time of growing societal uncertainty about the value of higher education and declining enrollment, the views of alumni turn out to be particularly insightful. This group can provide especially valuable feedback about how their education experiences have enriched their lives, which can help us ensure that today’s students maximize all the benefits that college offers.
National Workforce Development Leader to Head Social Impact Organization’s Strategy and Innovation Team
New Study from Strada Education Network Reveals a Silver Lining at a Challenging Time
Strada Education Network is pleased to celebrate the opening of the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City.
Phase 2 allows Taskforce members to seek up to $1.5 million ($6.25 million total) to expand efforts to connect education to employment.
Disparities in securing paid internships persist for women, people of color, first-generation college students, and students with low incomes — even when taking into account their fields of study
Strada Education Network announced today the winners in the initial phase of a $10 million grant challenge aimed at helping higher education institutions identify and expand new solutions that will improve career and life opportunities for more students of color, first-generation students, those who struggle to afford education, and adult students and workers.
NSSE and Strada researchers identify gaps in social capital development in 2021 NSSE career preparation data
Recognized Economic and Workforce Development Leader to Join National Nonprofit in January 2022
Courses, faculty receive high marks, but valued education-career connections are less consistent, and females, first-generation, Black alumni are less likely to report successful outcomes
Grant competition seeks to connect learning with employment for first-generation students, those who struggle to afford education, and students of color.
$25 million grant from Strada Education Network taps the collective experience and insights of HBCU leaders to scale experiential learning and leadership development within the college experience .main-content__header-area .header-image .text-box { max-width: 100% !important; text-align: center; }
New organization will allow each constituent part to focus on mission delivery, gaining operating efficiencies by leveraging support services from Strada