Higher Education / Public News Service

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Indiana's industrial sector is the state's largest energy consumer, accounting for 46% of the state's energy consumption in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 20, 2024

IN university hopes to lead in environmental responsibility

A central Indiana university has taken the initiative to address environmental challenges on campus and in the nearby community. Surveys conducted …

Leaders with the nonprofit Achieving the Dream say rural community colleges often aren't viewed, as are universities, as the

Monday, May 20, 2024

With national support, MN rural community college can reshape its future

A Minnesota community college serving rural students is getting a lift as it works to bring more innovation to its campus. The school was selected …

Ho-Chunk, Inc., Apprenticeship Program participant Marquez Bass (right) works with Information Technology Technician Blade Smith to run network cable at one of the company's buildings in Winnebago, Nebraska. (Ho-Chunk, Inc.)

Friday, May 17, 2024

NE Winnebago Tribe apprenticeships prepare students, build workforce

Workforce watchers project the country could face critical worker shortages in many of the skilled trades in coming years. The Nebraska Winnebago …

A Harvard study from 2021 said 96.4% of Black Lives Matter protests were nonviolent, despite widely reported vandalism, property damage and looting in the news. (Drazen/AdobeStock)

First Amendment rights to mass protest under attack in MS and beyond

In a blow to free speech and the right to assemble, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case involving the rights of protest …

In teacher training programs, critics said a new Indiana law could create a snowball effect on preservice teachers and their future students. (Adobe stock)

New IN law stirs debate over academic freedom, teacher training

By Aleksandra Appleton for the Chalkbeat Indiana .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Chalkbeat Indiana-Free Pre…

When student demonstrators gather unopposed, data show police have intervened in pro-Palestine demonstrations four times more than pro-Israel demonstrations. (Suiren2022/Wikimedia Commons)

Virginia groups show support for ongoing college protests

Some Virginia groups are choosing to offer support to pro-Palestine student protestors. Recent weeks have seen more than 100 arrests of protestors …

The Justice40 initiative aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate change, clean energy, clean transportation, affordable housing, water infrastructure, workforce development and pollution remediation to disadvantaged communities. (elnariz/adobe stock)

Federal initiative empowers communities with career creation

A collaboration between the federal government and local communities works to create new career opportunities. The Flint Environmental Career Worker …

Junior and senior Educators Rising members with Dr. Khalid Mumin, PA Secretary of Education, and Dr. Keith Miles, School District of Lancaster Superintendent. (School District of Lancaster)<br />

Education association tackles teacher shortage with 'Educators Rising' program

The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools, prompting a new "Educators Rising" …

Ohio students participate in a die-in at Case Western University on April 19 in protest over what they say is an ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio student protestors say their movement is gaining momentum

After hundreds of Ohio students gathered at Kent State University over the weekend to protest the conflict in Gaza, on the 54th anniversary of …

Students and faculty at Northeastern University in Boston surround a pro-Palestinian encampment on their school's campus, which stood for two days before administrators called in police to remove it. (Ehn)

Northeastern University students, staff condemn arrests, charges of antisemitism

Students and faculty at Northeastern University are demanding their school issue a public apology for what they say are false charges of antisemitism …

Downtown Hazard, Kentucky, is shown with one of several colorful murals added in recent years. (Austin Anthony for The Hechinger Report)<br />

As some rural states cut higher education, Kentucky does the opposite

By Kelly Field for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public New…

At Bryn Mawr College, President Kim Cassidy asked the organizers of the pro-Palestinian encampment on Merion Green to leave the site by the end of the day. (Halfpoint/Adobe)

Students at Bryn Mawr College in PA protest war in Gaza

Pennsylvania is among the states where massive protests and tent encampments opposing the war in Gaza are growing. Elez Beresin-Scher, a sociology …

Protest encampments such as this one at San Francisco State University against the war in Gaza have now spread to a half dozen campuses across California. (Sam Cheng/Adobestock)

Campus protests opposing war in Gaza grow across CA

Massive protests and tent encampments opposing the war in Gaza are growing at universities across California, with classes canceled at the University …

In 2022, New Mexico joined the ranks of states offering free college for most through its Opportunity Scholarship. (theartofpics/AdobeStock)

NM studies financial equity among higher-education institutions

New Mexico is taking a deep dive into its funding of public colleges and universities to determine if inequities need to be addressed. The Higher …

North Carolina is home to approximately 675,000 veterans, 20,000 National Guard reservists and 100,000 active-duty service members. (Adobe Stock)

UNC system streamlines military credit conversion for college degrees

For active-duty service members and veterans eyeing a college degree, the march to academic success just got easier. The University of North Carolina …

The National College Attainment Network reported the graduating high school class of 2023 in New York left more than $226 million in Pell grants unclaimed, the fourth-highest of any state. (Adobe Stock)

NY approves universal FAFSA access for graduating students

New York's 2025 budget creates universal access to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program. School districts statewide will have the …

The number of undergraduate degree earners fell for the second year in a row in the 2022-23 academic years, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: College affordability, debt keeping adults out of college

More than 70% of adults with student loans report having delayed at least one significant life event because of their debt situation, yet a new …

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ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas says it is monitoring protests at college campuses, after almost 60 students protesting the Israeli-…

As of March, 5.6 million students had been reached by the JED Campus Program, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

College students' mental health improves with adequate support

Mental Health Awareness Month starts next week, and a new report finds a significant decrease in suicidal ideation, planning and attempts on college …

As of March 2024, 243 schools have completed JED Campus and 201 are active JED campuses, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Suicidal ideation, planning, attempts decrease on college campuses

A new report showed a significant decrease in suicidal ideation, planning and attempts on college campuses around the nation, as well as improved …

Among his recommendations for the coming legislative session, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is asking lawmakers to make recommendations about school safety and

TX educators react to Lt. Gov. priorities for next legislative session

Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …

Creedon Newell practices teaching construction skills in Wyoming's new career and technical educator bridge course, designed to encourage trades students and professionals to pursue a career in CTE teaching. (Photo by Rob Hill)

Repairing the pipeline for WY rural career, technical educators

By Lane Wendell Fischer for the Shasta Scout via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Public News …

More than six in every 1,000 people in the U.S. are behind bars, the highest incarceration rate in the world, despite the U.S. having lower crime rates than other countries. (Adobe Stock)<br /> <br />

Boston U. Prison Education Program celebrates 50 years of changing lives

Boston University's Prison Education Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and is hoping to expand. Students at Massachusetts Correctional …

According to a new poll, 71% of currently and previously enrolled student borrowers report delaying at least one significant life event because of student debt. (Adobe Stock)

Debt dilemma poll: Hoosiers wrestle with college costs

A new Gallup and Lumina Foundation poll unveils a concerning reality: Hoosiers may lack clarity about the true cost of higher education. The survey …

A U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission report says in 2019, 66% of women working in STEM careers were white, almost 15% were Black, 10% were Asian and 7% were Latinas. (Adobe Stock)

Institute blends culture, STEM education for IN youth

The solar eclipse has sparked more interest in science and technology, especially among young people. But the saying, 'You can't be what you don't …

Census data show more than 100,000 North Dakotans have some college credits, but no degree. Unpaid tuition or other school debt is cited as one reason why it's hard for these individuals to re-enroll. (Adobe Stock)

ND looks to ease 'upskill' obstacles for former college students

This summer, colleges and universities will have to comply with a new federal rule and not withhold students' transcripts over unpaid tuition and …

By 2031, good jobs accessible to people with only a high school education will represent just 6% of all jobs. (bodnarphoto/Adobe Stock)

TX leaders work to improve job opportunities for rural students

Work is being done in rural areas across Texas to make sure students are prepared for the workforce even if they intend to stay put after graduation…

More than 19,000 bachelor's degrees were awarded by Utah public colleges and universities during the 2022-23 academic school year, according to Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward. (Adobe Stock)

UT students could get a bachelor's degree in just 3 years

A new degree program could grant students across the Utah System of Higher Education a bachelor's degree in just three years. Geoffrey Landward…

Kentucky parents are worried about their kids' educational and social development as well as the safety of their children if they are forced into using lower-cost, lower-quality care, according to a March 2024 survey from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

As KY child care crisis worsens, advocates highlight career pathways

The shrinking supply of child-care workers continues to impact Kentucky, and advocates say helping more people receive a Child Development Associate …

According to data from Best Colleges, nearly half of states in the U.S. have either proposed anti-DEI legislation or could be in the process of drafting it. (Adobe Stock)

Students unite to defend DEI initiatives

Conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion are on the rise as lawmakers propose bills to restrict or ban DEI in state-funded institutions…

The Texas Diversity Council works with various groups to foster environments where people from marginalized groups feel seen and heard. (Ana Baraulia/Adobe Stock)

Texas Diversity Council remains steadfast in face of adversity

Since 2004, April has been designated "Celebrate Diversity Month," a time to recognize, understand and honor the differences between people. One …

Experts say the decline in college enrollment threatens the broader landscape of higher education, which relies on the talent and diversity of students, faculty and staff to thrive. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana colleges urged to prioritize student concerns

Amid a nationwide decline in college enrollment, schools and policymakers are being urged to prioritize student concerns, especially in conservative …

Colorado State University researchers identified a cybersecurity gap that could have exposed more than 14 million medium- and heavy-duty trucks that form the core of the U.S. shipping industry to hackers. (Adobe Stock)

Study: 14 million U.S. freight trucks vulnerable to hackers

New worker safety regulations meant to log how many hours truckers are on the road may have inadvertently exposed millions of U.S. 18-wheelers to …

Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group Student advocates say the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative has already helped to grow cultural food options at Middlesex Community College, enroll eligible students for SNAP benefits at UMass Boston and provide meals for homeless students during breaks at Salem State University. (MASSPIRG)

MA students urge lawmakers to fund campus anti-hunger efforts

A coalition of college students and administrators is asking state lawmakers to help fight food insecurity on campus. The group is asking for $2 …

A Becker's Hospital report indicates about 85% of healthcare facilities around the country are short of allied health professionals. (Chanelle Malambo/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

VUMC partners with local schools to tackle healthcare staffing shortage

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the WorkingNation/Public News Service Coll…

Completing FAFSA is necessary to determine if a student qualifies for state and federal financial aid with $400 million in state aid available to students. (Adobe Stock)

FAFSA rollout leaves IN students in limbo

Indiana's high school seniors are caught in a bureaucratic snarl as glitches in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid rollout hinder aid proces…

The Indiana College Readiness Report showed 61% of women and 46% of men in the state who go on to college attend an Indiana-based school. (Adobe Stock)

Academic app supplements college admissions information

By Olivia Sanchez for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News Serv…

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has set a goal to boost the retention rates for educators of color from 80% to 90% by August 2025. (Adobe Stock)

PA high school focuses on attracting new teachers to the field

The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools. The state will need to fill thousands …

Univstats.com reports for the 2022-2023 academic year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign had nearly 57,000 students. The University of Illinois Chicago ranked second with almost 34,000 and Northwestern University was third with almost 24,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

Tech help comes to the college admissions process

This story is based on reporting by Olivia Sanchez for The Hechinger Report.The broadcast version is by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service, reporting …

According to Thrivent, FAFSA delays are expected to affect more than 17 million students trying to make plans for the 2024-2025 academic year. (Adobe Stock)

NC's college-bound students face FAFSA delays

The revamp of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid - or FAFSA - was supposed to streamline the process for college hopefuls this fall…

Almost 900,000 individuals have received student loan forgiveness since 2021 as a result of the Biden administration streamlining and expanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Nearly 400,000 more are within 24 loan payments of becoming eligible. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

As Louisiana teachers await permanent pay hikes, federal loan relief helps some

In a 2023 survey, 66% of teachers -- compared with 39% of adults in other fields -- said they were unsatisfied with their starting salary. When …

FAFSA delays pose challenges for Georgia college-bound students

Students across Georgia seeking college opportunities are encountering delays as they navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process…

According to the Brookings Institution, one major barrier to higher education is affordability, as college prices and student debt levels have risen. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Possible forges pathways to education equity with annual event

Alabama's goal of adding 500,000 more college-educated people to the workforce by 2025 is quickly approaching. One group is dedicated to breaking …

In Arkansas, more than 133,000 people 35-49 years old owe more than $43,000, totaling $5.77 billion. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi)

Student loan debt relief on way in Arkansas

Student-loan borrowers in Arkansas and nationwide could have their debt reduced or eliminated through a new one-time adjustment by the U.S. …

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a shortage of 74,000 social workers each year for the next decade, with more rural areas such as Maine hit hardest. (Adobe Stock)

ME social workers, educators seek end to state licensing exam

Social workers in Maine say the state's required licensing exam is biased and contributing to a shortage of workers in the field. Data show …

Last year, Income Driven Repayment programs resulted in student loan cancellation for more than 800,000 borrowers nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Program could bring student debt cancellation for some MD borrowers

Marylanders with student debt may have an opportunity to have some or all of it forgiven but time is running out. The average student loan debt of …

Idaho lawmakers are scheduled to wrap up the 2024 legislative session soon. (Wissam/Adobe Stock)

ID anti-DEI bill in higher ed could have 'ripple effects' for state

Idaho lawmakers are considering a measure that would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs on college campuses. Critics say it could …

More than 21% of the student population at Portland Community College is hispanic. (Adumbvoget/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: OR colleges serving Hispanic students increasing

The number of higher institutions serving Hispanic students in Oregon is increasing, according to a new report. Excelencia in Education researched …

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