Commission for Higher Education to study state’s enrollment
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Using a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Indiana Commission for Higher Education has kicked off research into the factors impacting college enrollment in Indiana and is working with consulting firm Heart+Mind Strategies to lead the six-month-long study.
The commission says Indiana ranks 31st in the nation in the college-going rate for high school students, and 21st in the nation in first-time undergraduate enrollment for adults.
As part of the its Hoosier Opportunities & Possibilities through Education agenda, the commission will seek both a mix of qualitative and quantitative data through one-on-one in-depth interviews, focus groups and a survey.
Input will be collected from high school students, young adult and adult students, the general public, parents and family members, high school teachers, school counselors, Indiana employers, community- and faith-based organizations and representatives from Indiana’s higher education institutions.
“Whether it’s a certificate, two- or four-year degree, education and training beyond high school is the cornerstone to social and economic mobility and prosperity of all Hoosiers,” Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Chris Lowery said in a news release. “Thanks to generous funding from the Lilly Endowment, the Commission can meet Hoosiers where they are, understand the barriers to college enrollment, and inform potential solutions.”
The commission said the findings will inform its initiatives, objectives and policy priorities. After the research concludes in June 2024, a report will be published.
The goal for the commission is for Indiana to become a top 10 state in post-high school training and education by 2030.