CollegeAPP — Lumina Foundation, CollegeAPP Announce 2023-2024 Adult Learner Cohort

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2023

Three HBCUs and four HSIs are among 10 universities to adopt the CollegeAPP service.

[Los Angeles, CA]: CollegeAPP and Lumina Foundation have announced the selection of 10 of the nation’s top universities to be included in the 2023-2024 Adult Learner Cohort. Each institution will have the opportunity to deploy CollegeAPP’s proprietary data and marketing consultation to fuel the identification and recruitment of potential adult and non-traditional students.

“We are beyond impressed with this cohort of universities,” said Jack MacKenzie, CEO of CollegeAPP. “The institutions that raised their hands to participate serve a wide and diverse set of populations from all corners of the country. The CollegeAPP team is ready to help them achieve their goals and, in the process, change the lives of adults who have the intent to enroll into the quality education and training these colleges provide.”

Lumina and CollegeAPP spent three months identifying and screening universities for their commitment to recruiting adult students from diverse backgrounds as well as having quality programs designed for adult learners. Each of the institutions will gain access to the CollegeAPP database and consultative expertise for one year.

The 10 universities selected for the cohort are:

• Cheyney University (PA)

• Dillard University (LA)

• University of Memphis (TN)

• Chicago State University (IL)

• California State University, San Bernardino (CA)

• Ferris State University (MI)

• Cambridge College (MA)

• University of New Mexico (NM)

• Metropolitan State University (MN)

• Southern Adventist University (TN)

“Meeting the needs of the workforce of tomorrow requires a focus on enrolling adults and nontraditional students,” said Lumina Strategy Director Melanie Heath. “Yet, identifying, recruiting, and enrolling adults into college is a known challenge. We are thrilled to support CollegeAPP’s model that allows institutions to better identify and recruit prospective adult learners, clearing the way for a college degree.”

Oscar Rodriguez, vice president of enrollment management at Chicago State University said, “Black students make up a declining share of college enrollment in Illinois. Engaging adult learners is a key strategy to counter this trend. Reaching this population is a challenge, however, as there are precious few means to obtain information about potential adult prospective students. CSU hopes to reach those adult students who are ready to engage in dialogue about earning or completing a post-secondary degree, and provide the support they need to apply, retain and graduate with a college degree.”

Each of the universities will work directly with CollegeAPP on creating and executing adult learner recruitment strategies and execution. “The 2023 Cohort has pledged to share best practices and ongoing metrics with each other to extend the learning from the various campaigns,” MacKenzie said. “Each member brings a set of experiences and goals that will fuel creativity. While they all may be looking in different regions and people with different backgrounds, they all have a commitment to adult learners.”

Dr. Bill Pink, president of Ferris State University, added this about being a member of the 2023 Lumina/CollegeAPP cohort, “Ferris State University was built on the premise that anyone who wanted to get an education could do so here. That vision of our founders, integrating theory with practice in order to foster opportunity, continues to drive our mission.

Having the ability to partner with Lumina and CollegeAPP and leveraging their data-centric approach to actively find and engage adult learners, will be an essential enrollment strategy to ensure that the State of Michigan is benefiting from the skills of a Ferris State University education, and we are honored to have been selected for participation.”

About Lumina Foundation

Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We envision higher learning that is easy to navigate, addresses racial injustice, and meets the nation’s talent needs through a broad range of credentials. We are working toward a system that prepares people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy.

About CollegeAPP

CollegeAPP is a data analytics service company serving the higher education sector. CollegeAPP works with more than 200 colleges and universities to identify and recruit potential students among the adult population. Using proprietary predictive analytics algorithms, CollegeAPPs live dashboard allows clients to dynamically create target audiences and launch marketing campaigns to boost recruitment and enrollment strategies.