Alabama is working to offer incentives to adult learners to reengage with their education if they had to leave college before graduating. The All in Alabama initiative and Senate Bill 175 aim to break down barriers, specifically to help adults who started college, to return and complete their degrees. Jim Purcell, executive director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, said he is optimistic helping more people return to school will pay off, not just for the individuals but for the state, with a better-educated workforce. .
Following what s described as a "hostile takeover" by right-wing conservatives, at the progressive New College of Florida, students and prospective graduates are protesting daily. The latest comes as students held an alternate commencement on Thursday evening - rather than listen to the administration s choice of former Trump adviser Dr. Scott Atlas, scheduled to speak at Friday s commencement. .
Many Minnesota school districts say they have been walking a financial tightrope, but leaders appear to be encouraged by the new education funding plan for K-12 schools. With a record surplus in hand, the Legislature has sent the governor a package boosting per-pupil funding by 4%, and 2% over the next two budget years, and then, ties it to inflation in subsequent years. Matt Hillmann, superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, noted they will not be able to restore recent budget cuts, but said the extra aid will provide much-needed stability moving forward. .
Six colleges in North Carolina have found they can do more to offer educational opportunities when they work together. Cooperating Raleigh Colleges is a collaboration between six higher-education institutions in Raleigh, which allows students from one college or university in the system to benefit from the others. Maura DiColla, executive director of the consortium, said one of the main advantages for students is the ability to enroll in courses at other colleges that may not be offered on their own campus. .