Designing Pathways. Empowering Students. Transforming Futures.

Centering Students. Scaling Solutions.

Connecting Education to Opportunity and Workforce Readiness.

The Center for Innovation in Postsecondary Education (CIPE) advances student success by partnering with community colleges, universities, employers, and mission-aligned organizations to design and scale transformative practices in postsecondary education and workforce development. Our work centers on improving postsecondary attainment and employment outcomes for all students—especially first-generation, underrepresented, low-income, and rural learners.

Core Capabilities

1. Applied Research
   CIPE conducts applied research in postsecondary education and workforce focus on using data and evidence to address real-world problems, improve systems, and enhance outcomes for students, institutions, and employers. Topics Include: Improve Student Success, Align Education with Workforce Needs, Scale Evidence-Based Practices, and Strengthen Insitutional Capacity.
2. Capacity Building for Postsecondary Institutions
   Through technical assistance, professional development, and learning communities, CIPE helps two- and four-year institutions build organizational capacity to implement scalable and sustainable improvements. We assist leadership teams in change management, faculty engagement, and strategic planning to improve outcomes for underserved student populations.
3. Public-Private Partnership Development
   CIPE brokers and strengthens partnerships between institutions and public agencies, philanthropic organizations, and private-sector employers. We facilitate shared initiatives that connect educational attainment with economic opportunity, including experiental and work-based learning, apprenticeships, and career pathway programs designed in collaboration with industry.
4. Workforce Alignment and Employer Engagement
   CIPE supports regional workforce development through employer engagement strategies that align academic programs with in-demand skills and careers. We help build sector-based partnerships and design co-curricular and curricular models that prepare learners for high-growth industries.
5. Adult Learner and Pathways Innovation
   CIPE specializes in developing pathways that meet the needs of adult and non-traditional students. We partner with institutions to implement flexible, accelerated programs that include prior learning assessment, stackable credentials, and online delivery models. Our efforts aim to reengage adult learners and support their transition into high-wage, high-demand occupations.
6. Storytelling, Communications, and Dissemination
   CIPE elevates the voices of students, faculty, and institutional leaders to tell powerful stories of transformation and impact. We design tools and publications that translate evidence into practice and communicate results to funders, policymakers, and the public.

Who We Serve

Why Partner with CIPE?

CIPE is a trusted partner in scaling evidenced-based innovations that improve student success and economic mobility. With deep expertise in higher education policy, institutional transformation, and workforce alignment, we bring together diverse stakeholders to solve complex challenges in education and training.