Reflecting on 2025, this show brings back key conversations that are sure to carry over into 2026. This episode revisits a conversation about American prosperity and Lumina's new goal focused on credentials of value, a discussion about higher education's role in shaping artificial intelligence, and a review of three states working to redesign admissions systems.

High-quality learning beyond high school has the power to transform lives. Better-educated people earn more, are more active in their communities, and even live longer. The question now is how can the higher education system serve more people better?

In this interview, Lumina Foundation's Jamie Merisotis offers insight from his decades of experience as an author, policy innovator, and philanthropist on the future of education and work—and his vision for a world where learning and human potential drive progress and opportunity for everyone.

Hear insights from a nationwide movement. The live podcast includes real stories from the field illuminating how change happens—and where it's heading.

This summer, the National Student Clearinghouse issued a new report with mixed news. While many states have made progress in re-enrolling people who have some college credit but have yet to earn their credential, the total population of US adults in this group has grown. Now, over 43 million Americans have some college credit but stopped out before they could complete their first credential. Lumina's Dr. Chris Mullin and Dr. Wendy Sedlak talk through the report and discusses what states and institutions are doing to reverse the trend. Sallie Glickman, Managing of the Burning Glass Institute shares new work that uses big data to predict the likelihood that someone will re-enroll and complete.

Twenty-four states allow community and technical colleges to issue bachelors degrees. Proponents argue that these programs are tightly aligned to workforce needs, more affordable, and meet the needs of people who live far or otherwise can't attend a university. Critics are concerned about the quality of education, financing these programs, and competing for enrollment with nearby universities. Guests Dr. Debra Bragg, Jim Reed, and Sunaina Virendra talk through these issue and discuss recent efforts to launch new community college baccalaureate programs.

Discover how higher education serves as a catalyst for climate solutions and societal progress in this live taping of Today's Students, Tomorrow's Talent podcast from the 2025 SXSW Podcast Lounge. Leaders in academia, policy, and environmental advocacy will unpack the role learning beyond high school plays in driving innovation, creating climate resilient economies, and preparing the next generation of changemakers. From cutting-edge research to community engagement initiatives, this show explores how higher education leverages resources to tackle climate challenges, advances equity, and builds a more sustainable future. Gain insights into transformative projects and actionable strategies that demonstrate the societal impact of aligning education with environmental stewardship.

Guests: Tessa LeSage, Chief Impact Officer, Collaboratory Alex McBride, Senior Program Officer, Waverly Street Foundation

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans that currently do not have a degree believe that earning an academic credential is valuable. And yet, there is waning confidence in higher education across the country, as many people ask if they will get a return on their investment. In this episode, we visit Lupita Trujillo, a mother of three, who shares how these decisions sounded in her household. We also review the latest Gallup-Lumina Foundation reports about perceptions of higher education with Dr. Courtney Brown.

REPORTS:

The State of Higher Education 2025 - https://www.gallup.com/analytics/644939/state-of-higher-education.aspx

U.S. Confidence in Higher Education - https://news.gallup.com/poll/646880/confidence-higher-education-closely-divided.aspx

2025 Aspen Prize Winner - https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/press-releases/southwest-wisconsin-technical-college-named-winner-1-million-2025-aspen-prize

This live session, taped at SXSW 2025, explores the interplay between higher education and artificial intelligence, delving into how academic institutions are responding to the proliferation of AI in the workplace and economy. Leaders from academia, economic development, and industry discuss how universities and colleges are advancing research and equipping students with the skills to lead in an AI-powered future. From addressing social inequities to preparing cities for the economy of the future, the conversation highlights the transformative potential of AI when nurtured within higher education, and the tradeoffs that must be made in an education system wired for the past.

• Alisa Miller, Chief AI Officer, Board Director and Co-founder, Pluralytics, Aletheia Marketing and Media; Board Chair, Lumina Foundation
• John McDonald, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Tulsa Innovation Labs
• Julie Schell, Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Technology and Director of the Office of Academic Technology, University of Texas at Austin

In this special edition, we have a conversation on how to drive economic growth, strengthen civic life, and equip individuals to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Experts from workforce, higher education and philanthropy will dive into how learning after high school cultivates a skilled workforce, fosters innovation, and improves quality of life for American communities. This show was recorded live from the podcast lounge at SXSW.

Community colleges play a critical role in America, but many struggle to tell their own story. This episode dives into how schools are using SEO, branding, and mobile-friendly marketing to reshape perceptions and connect with their communities. Guests from Iowa Lakes, Great Falls, and marketing firm TrendyMinds share insights on innovative strategies—including how a mascot helped one college rebrand. Listen in to hear how community colleges are changing the way they communicate.

Show Links: The Social Media InstituteIowa Lakes "Get To It" CampaignMo the River Otter

Steal These Strategies by Mary Laphen Pope