Lumina Foundation

Lumina Foundation is an independent non-profit private foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 2000. Its primary mission is to expand access to education, aiming to increase the proportion of Americans with degrees, certificates, and other high-quality credentials to 60 percent by 2025. The foundation employs an outcomes-based approach that emphasizes the design and development of an equitable, accessible, responsive, and accountable higher education system. Additionally, Lumina Foundation fosters a national sense of urgency for action to achieve its educational goals through research, information dissemination, and innovation.

Erin Archer

CFO and Vice President

Zakiya Smith

Strategy Director, Finance and Federal Policy

Past deals in Education

Chaffey College

Grant in 2024
Resting along the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, the Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California, offers Southwestern students a wide selection of two-year academics that have been chosen due to their increasing growth in today's workforce. Chaffey's programs are offered in a variety of fields, including business, education, humanities, mathematics and science and language arts Some of the concentrations available include: * Business and Office Technologists * Acute Care Technician * Administration of Justice * Anthropology * Child Development and Education The Rancho Cucamonga campus includes the Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art, which hosts many exhibitions and artistic events throughout the year. To further enhance your college life, Chaffey provides a full array of student services. Whether you seek tutoring, help identifying a career that includes your particular skills or even searching for employers in the community or throughout the nation, Chaffey is there to help you. To encourage graduates to continue their education at a four-year university, Chaffey maintains agreements with Californian universities for easy transfers, as well as scholarship opportunities to aid in the transition. Tuition cost is set lower for California residents, but all students, including Californians, may apply for financial aid by filing a FAFSA. Chaffey maintains an open admissions policy, considering each applicant for enrollment.

Community College of Beaver County, Monaca

Grant in 2024
If you are from an economically challenged background, Community College of Beaver County in Monaca, Pennsylvania will offer you extra support to pursue your degree. At Community College of Beaver County in Monaca, Pennsylvania, you can train to be a Casino Dealer, Air Traffic Controller or a Professional Pilot. You can get a degree that will prepare you for such in-demand healthcare careers as Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Phlebotomy or Pharmacy Technology. You can also get a degree in a fast-growing field like Culinary Arts or Criminal Justice or attend the college’s Police Academy. If you pursue one of CCBC’s academic majors through the department of Arts and Sciences, you can also start your first two years of a bachelor’s before transferring to a four-year school. In addition to CCBC’s Keys and Act 101 programs, which are designed to offer extra assistance to students from low-income backgrounds, there are additional student services for the general population. These include career, academic or personal counseling or tutoring. Financial aid is also awarded to students who meet certain financial and other criteria. Since CCBC has an open admissions policy, anyone with a high school diploma may enroll and benefit from a Community College of Beaver County degree.

State University of New York

Grant in 2024
The State University of New York (SUNY) is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, comprising 64 institutions that include research universities, academic medical centers, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and colleges of technology, along with an online learning network. SUNY serves approximately 463,000 students across more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs, and nearly 2 million individuals in workforce and professional development initiatives. With nearly 3 million alumni worldwide, SUNY plays a significant role in shaping educational opportunities and driving societal contributions both within New York State and globally.

Ocean County College, Toms River

Grant in 2024
Ocean County College offers residents of Toms River, New Jersey, a personalized two-year education that emphasizes small-group learning. Ocean County College academics include a variety of career-oriented majors, such as: * Accounting * Alcohol and Drug Counseling * Business * Criminal Justice * Education * Health and Human Performance * Nursing The school also awards degrees in the arts and humanities, with programs in: * Dance * English * Film Studies * Graphic Design * Music * Philosophy * Theatre Ocean County College prides itself on small classes, which foster an intimate learning environment. Learning takes place primarily through small group projects and discussions. Students may also benefit from the intimate one-on-one experience of the school’s many qualified tutors. The school also offers an intimate and supportive experience by sponsoring various student support groups. Ocean County College’s college life activities include academic, cultural, performing arts and recreational clubs. In addition to an application, applicants must supply transcripts or GED scores and take a placement exam for admissions. Ocean County College participates in federal financial aid programs, which help students to pay tuition fees through loans and grants. Select students may also receive a tuition waiver for up to five semesters from the New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance program.

Northern Arizona University

Grant in 2024
Northern Arizona University is a public research institution. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and health professions. It serves industries such as education, healthcare, technology, and environmental science.

Illinois Board of Higher Education

Grant in 2024
The General Assembly and Governor Otto Kerner created the Board of Higher Education in 1961 to plan and coordinate Illinois' system

Blackhawk Technical College

Grant in 2023
The Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin, offers high quality, flexible technical training programs with state-of-the-art-technology. The Student Activities Commission makes sure there are plenty of student life opportunities for you, whether social events, picnics or entertainment. Student Government Officers gain real-world experience by working directly with state legislators to influence legislation. A variety of student clubs and organizations are also available, allowing you to make friends while you receive a well-rounded educational experience. The school offers community service opportunities to help students develop personal, career and leadership skills. Student services like academic support services, career counseling and on-site child care are provided to all students. Academics offered include associate’s degrees, certificate, diploma and apprenticeship programs. Some associate’s degrees include Administrative Professional, Mechanical Design Technology and Radiography. Certificates are available in fields like Business Technology, Criminal Justice and Small Business Accounting. Admissions require students to take a COMPASS assessment examination. Students who have received higher than 15 on the ACT, earned an associate’s degree or graduated from a four-year institution are exempt from the COMPASS assessment. To be considered for financial aid, students must file a FAFSA by March 15 of the prior academic year. Types of aid include state programs, scholarships, student loans and federal grants.

Iowa Lakes Community College

Grant in 2023
In addition to occupational certificates and degrees, students may earn their bachelor’s degree while attending Iowa Lakes Community College. Located in Estherville, Iowa, the school also has campuses in Emmettsburg and Spencer. Career training programs available at Estherville, some of which are only offered at the Estherville campus, include: *Accounting Specialist *Aviation/Airport Management *Criminal Justice *Graphic Design and Technology *Paralegal/Legal Studies *Broadcasting and Media *Photography Iowa’s collaborative programs with four-year schools provide students with a unique and exciting educational opportunity. For example, students may earn a degree from such schools as University of Iowa while attending classes on the Iowa Lakes campus. Another of these combined programs allows students to complete part of their coursework at Iowa Lakes and the rest at UI. As an open-enrollment institution, Iowa Lakes Estherville admits any student with a high school diploma or GED. Tuition is lower for regional residents and financial aid is available to qualifying students.

Central Wyoming College

Grant in 2023
The Central Wyoming College in Riverton, Wyoming, serves as the educational and cultural center of the Riverton region, allowing students to pursue two-year academics while broadening their appreciation and understanding of the world through the many art exhibits, musical concerts and theatre productions CWC hosts. CWC is also home to Wyoming PBS, one of the only public broadcasting networks in all of Wyoming. CWC offers an exciting college life. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, movie nights and a variety of cultural events, you will find something an activity on campus that interests you. Students who enjoy the outdoors will find plenty to do in Riverton, as you will be nearby parks like the Yellowstone National Park, Hot Springs State Park, Grand Teton National Park, as well as heavily forested and trail areas. The academics available at CWC will help prepare you to pursue higher education or seek immediate employment. Some programs include: * Environmental Science and Leadership * Agribusiness * Pre-Engineering * Theatre * Photography * Music Residents of Wyoming and states that belong to the Western Undergraduate Exchange program receive discounted tuition. For a list of qualifying states, please contact CWC. Students who apply online will have their application fee waived. To be considered for enrollment, applicants must submit their official high school transcript and copy of diploma or GED. All incoming students are required to take an entrance assessment exam unless they provide ACT/SAT scores. CWC offers scholarships like the Wyoming Hathaway, Andrew Boulette and Bebot Family scholarships to qualifying students. Additional forms of financial aid include Pell grants, SEO grants, direct loans and Perkins loans.

University of Hawaii

Grant in 2022
The University of Hawai‘i System includes 10 campuses and dozens of educational, training and research centers across the Hawaiian Islands. Established in 1907, it is the state's sole public system of higher education.

Partnership for College Completion

Grant in 2022
Partnership for College Completion is an organization that both provides support to colleges and universities for campus-based equity change and advances state policy for greater equity in higher education.

Center for Racial Equity in Education

Grant in 2022
Center for Racial Equity in Education supports the development of a shared policy agenda among public and private Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Minnesota Education Equity Partnership

Grant in 2022
Minnesota Education Equity Partnership transforms practices, policies, and public narratives to build an education system. They develop leadership services and trainings for educators, districts, schools, organizations, leaders, and faculty. They build equitable educational spaces that uplift the students and advance racial equity and excellence in education.

Campaign for College Opportunity

Grant in 2022
Campaign for College Opportunity focus on making college more affordable by sharing research findings, through nonpartisan communications.

Common Application

Grant in 2022
The Common Application membership association was established in 1975 by 15 private colleges that wished to provide a common, standardized first-year application form for use at any member institution. With the administrative support of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the organization grew steadily throughout its first 30 years. Today, The Common Application serves over 1 million students and school officials annually through their free online First-Year and Transfer applications. Their membership of over 500 public and private colleges and universities represents the full diversity of four-year higher education in the US and, increasingly, overseas.

Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis

Grant in 2022
Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis provides creative arts training, transformative performances, effective leadership development, and inspiring opportunities to unlock your potential and connect with a global community of artists and arts professionals so you can successfully move to the next level of your career.

Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice

Grant in 2022
Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice provides representation for all asylum seekers by training college students to become immigration advocates, and to fight for a socially just immigration system and community transformation.

Association of American Colleges & Universities

Grant in 2022
Association of American Colleges & Universities is a membership organization that focuses on advancing higher education's democratic aims through equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education. The organization acts as a catalyst and facilitator for educational innovations that increase educational quality and equity and promote the achievement of all students.

Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology

Grant in 2022
Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology helps education and human development locally, nationally and globally.

Philadelphia Student Union

Grant in 2022
Philadelphia Student Union supports the student union's Equity Research Cooperative, which plans to develop and launch a College Students of Color Experience Survey.

Mentor Collective

Series A in 2022
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in providing platforms for universities to implement and manage mentoring programs. It offers a comprehensive range of services including program design, mentorship operations, a content library, and assessment and analytics to enhance student engagement and success. By connecting students with relevant near-peer mentors, Mentor Collective aims to improve retention rates and overall student experiences. The organization partners with over 120 universities, including notable institutions such as Princeton and UC Davis, to ensure that all students have access to mentorship opportunities. The company has received recognition for its impact in the education sector, including placements in the Inc. 5000 list and accolades from Forbes and BostInno.

Foundation for California Community Colleges

Grant in 2022
Foundation for California Community Colleges is built to benefit, support, and enhance the missions of the California Community College system through support from a wide range of partner organizations and individual donations.

Upswing International

Series A in 2021
Upswing offers an integrated student services platform designed to enhance student retention for colleges and universities. This platform consolidates various student support operations, allowing students to easily access services such as advising, counseling, success coaching, and tutoring within a virtual environment. Additionally, Upswing provides a virtual assistant that connects students to college reminders and important information via SMS. This streamlined approach enables college administrators to manage support staff more effectively, oversee communication with students, and access cohesive reporting and insights. Moreover, the platform facilitates academic assistance by allowing students to select coaches based on criteria such as price, quality, subjects, and prior experiences, thereby providing tailored support throughout their college journey.

Acadeum

Venture Round in 2021
Acadeum, formerly known as College Consortium, is a developer of an Academic Sharing Platform that facilitates online course sharing among universities. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Acadeum enables institutions of higher education to form course-sharing consortia, which include organizations like the Council of Independent Colleges and the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. The platform allows faculty to review and select courses from other participating colleges and universities, ensuring that these courses meet graduation requirements and can be eligible for financial aid. By leveraging interconnected networks, Acadeum aims to provide students with a broader array of educational options to support their academic success and enhance their pathways to graduation.

Noodle

Series B in 2020
Noodle is a U.S.-based organization that specializes in enhancing online and hybrid education programs while also improving traditional classroom models. Founded in 2010 by John Katzman, the creator of The Princeton Review and 2U, Noodle collaborates with universities to develop certificate and degree programs. Its services encompass marketing, student recruitment, enrollment, curriculum design, and support services, helping institutions create tailored educational offerings. Additionally, Noodle provides students with unbiased data and real-world advice to assist them in making informed decisions about their educational paths. By connecting students with schools, programs, and resources, Noodle aims to facilitate a comprehensive and supportive educational experience.

Noodle

Series B in 2020
Noodle is a U.S.-based organization that specializes in enhancing online and hybrid education programs while also improving traditional classroom models. Founded in 2010 by John Katzman, the creator of The Princeton Review and 2U, Noodle collaborates with universities to develop certificate and degree programs. Its services encompass marketing, student recruitment, enrollment, curriculum design, and support services, helping institutions create tailored educational offerings. Additionally, Noodle provides students with unbiased data and real-world advice to assist them in making informed decisions about their educational paths. By connecting students with schools, programs, and resources, Noodle aims to facilitate a comprehensive and supportive educational experience.

Acadeum

Series A in 2020
Acadeum, formerly known as College Consortium, is a developer of an Academic Sharing Platform that facilitates online course sharing among universities. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Acadeum enables institutions of higher education to form course-sharing consortia, which include organizations like the Council of Independent Colleges and the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. The platform allows faculty to review and select courses from other participating colleges and universities, ensuring that these courses meet graduation requirements and can be eligible for financial aid. By leveraging interconnected networks, Acadeum aims to provide students with a broader array of educational options to support their academic success and enhance their pathways to graduation.

EduNav

Venture Round in 2019
EduNav, Inc. specializes in developing academic planning and optimization software tailored for the higher education sector. Its flagship product, EduNav, utilizes Big Data, combinatorial algorithms, and machine learning to help students map out their optimal paths to graduation. The software enhances student retention and timely degree completion while reducing unnecessary credit hours. Additionally, EduNav offers SmartPlan, a tool for degree, career, and transfer planning, alongside a predictive enrollment management solution designed for institutional administrators. Founded in 2013 and based in Cupertino, California, EduNav leverages its team's extensive experience in the education technology field to continually innovate and address the needs of colleges and universities.

Mentor Collective

Venture Round in 2019
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in providing platforms for universities to implement and manage mentoring programs. It offers a comprehensive range of services including program design, mentorship operations, a content library, and assessment and analytics to enhance student engagement and success. By connecting students with relevant near-peer mentors, Mentor Collective aims to improve retention rates and overall student experiences. The organization partners with over 120 universities, including notable institutions such as Princeton and UC Davis, to ensure that all students have access to mentorship opportunities. The company has received recognition for its impact in the education sector, including placements in the Inc. 5000 list and accolades from Forbes and BostInno.

Bitwise Industries

Series A in 2019
Bitwise Industries Inc. is a technology ecosystem company based in Fresno, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on enhancing the local technology landscape through education, execution, and physical space. The company operates Geekwise Academy, an accelerated training program that equips individuals of all ages, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, with essential coding skills for the modern job market. Additionally, Bitwise Industries runs a custom software development firm, Shift3 Technologies, which pairs senior developers with entry-level programmers to create software solutions. The company also emphasizes community development by providing paid apprenticeships, helping students gain practical tech experience and connect with job opportunities, while constructing vibrant workspaces in underserved areas to foster collaboration among technologists and technology companies.

Upswing International

Venture Round in 2019
Upswing offers an integrated student services platform designed to enhance student retention for colleges and universities. This platform consolidates various student support operations, allowing students to easily access services such as advising, counseling, success coaching, and tutoring within a virtual environment. Additionally, Upswing provides a virtual assistant that connects students to college reminders and important information via SMS. This streamlined approach enables college administrators to manage support staff more effectively, oversee communication with students, and access cohesive reporting and insights. Moreover, the platform facilitates academic assistance by allowing students to select coaches based on criteria such as price, quality, subjects, and prior experiences, thereby providing tailored support throughout their college journey.

Credly

Series A in 2019
Credly, Inc. operates a platform that specializes in verifying, sharing, and managing digital badges and credentials, which represent a variety of verified skills, abilities, and certifications. The company serves a diverse clientele, including educational institutions, employers, and professional associations, facilitating the translation of learning experiences into professional opportunities through trusted digital credentials. Credly provides tools and resources, such as the Open Credit API and Credly SDKs, to support the creation and distribution of these credentials. By leveraging its global network of credential issuers, Credly helps organizations address skills gaps, enhance talent management, and make informed hiring decisions. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Credly is dedicated to transforming how knowledge and skills are recognized and communicated in the workforce.

Civitas Learning

Private Equity Round in 2019
Civitas Learning, Inc. is an education technology company that provides a predictive analytics platform aimed at enhancing student success across higher education institutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Austin, Texas, the company offers a suite of tools designed to aggregate and analyze disparate data sources throughout the student journey. Its student insights platform enables institutions to gain a comprehensive view of student experiences, while applications like Illume and Inspire for Faculty deliver real-time insights into student engagement and predictive student flow. Civitas Learning also offers Hoot.me, a crowd-sourced question-and-answer platform, and College Scheduler, which simplifies degree completion processes for students. The company serves approximately 375 colleges and universities, impacting nearly 8 million students across the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Mexico, with the goal of helping institutions graduate an additional million students annually by 2025.

Salt Lake Community College

Grant in 2018
Offering the best of both worlds, Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest school in the state, but still manages to provide students the personal attention of a smaller school. Academics span a broad range of disciplines and subjects, including Art History, Aviation Maintenance, Brick Masonry, Chinese, Computer Technology, Cosmetology, Film, International Studies, Medical Coding and Pyro-Technology, among many others. Student life is also varied. At its Grand Theatre, SLCC features performances of popular and classic plays with local professional actors. There is also a film festival, a lecture series, a student-run radio station and newspaper, and a number of student clubs and organizations. Student services also provide the full range of academic, career planning and personal resources. However, while Salt Lake’s campus may abound with options, students are given the same amount of individual attention found at a small, private school. With a low faculty to student ratiom classes are kept small and professors numerous and accessible enough to meet privately with students as well. While many students use their Salt Lake degree to forge a new career, a large number also transfer to such schools as Brigham Young University. Since tuition at Salt Lake is significantly lower than that of a university, attending Salt Lake for the first two years of their bachelor’s lowers student’s expenses by a lot. Financial aid and payment plans are also available to those who qualify. Students interested in admissions may apply online. Once admitted, all students must also take a placement test.

Credly

Seed Round in 2017
Credly, Inc. operates a platform that specializes in verifying, sharing, and managing digital badges and credentials, which represent a variety of verified skills, abilities, and certifications. The company serves a diverse clientele, including educational institutions, employers, and professional associations, facilitating the translation of learning experiences into professional opportunities through trusted digital credentials. Credly provides tools and resources, such as the Open Credit API and Credly SDKs, to support the creation and distribution of these credentials. By leveraging its global network of credential issuers, Credly helps organizations address skills gaps, enhance talent management, and make informed hiring decisions. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Credly is dedicated to transforming how knowledge and skills are recognized and communicated in the workforce.

BridgeEdU

Venture Round in 2016
Welcome to BridgeEdU, an innovative educational experience that is The First Year of College Reinvented. This is not an alternative to college or a traditional ‘gap year’: BridgeEdU is a personalized, affordable year or semester that will be a new on-ramp to your success in higher education and beyond.

Credly

Seed Round in 2016
Credly, Inc. operates a platform that specializes in verifying, sharing, and managing digital badges and credentials, which represent a variety of verified skills, abilities, and certifications. The company serves a diverse clientele, including educational institutions, employers, and professional associations, facilitating the translation of learning experiences into professional opportunities through trusted digital credentials. Credly provides tools and resources, such as the Open Credit API and Credly SDKs, to support the creation and distribution of these credentials. By leveraging its global network of credential issuers, Credly helps organizations address skills gaps, enhance talent management, and make informed hiring decisions. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Credly is dedicated to transforming how knowledge and skills are recognized and communicated in the workforce.
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