At the inaugural South Carolina HBCU Legislative Caucus, lawmakers made concrete commitments to advance opportunity for students statewide: - $1.75 million in new and restored funding for HBCUs - All 8 HBCU presidents met together for the first time in state history - Presidents invited to submit direct funding requests to legislative committees for campus projects These outcomes show what’s possible when policymakers, presidents, and communities come together with purpose. @kresgefdn

This week, we helped launch South Carolina’s first-ever HBCU Legislative Caucus. It's a historic step toward strengthening collaboration between lawmakers and the state’s eight HBCUs. More than 70 leaders joined us in Columbia, including 30 legislators from both parties, all 8 HBCU presidents, and senior state officials. This bipartisan commitment to South Carolina’s HBCUs marks an exciting milestone for education and workforce development in the state. @kresgefdn

The Hunt Institute & @ACT agree: students need to be ready for college AND careers. New 2025 data proves it's happening: - 21 states use ACT WorkKeys - 850K+ grads earning workforce credentials - States like AL leading the way This is the future of ed. Let's prepare every student for every path.

Last night, Senator Gladys Robinson shared her vision for NC’s higher education future. HBCUs play a critical role in expanding access, equity, and opportunity across our state. Fellows reflected on how institutional leadership shapes statewide progress. @GladysRobinson

Who are today’s NC students? Only 1 in 4 are 18–24 & enrolling right after high school. Most are parents, working full-time, or returning after a pause. At #ElevateNC, experts share how colleges can adapt to meet changing student needs. Speakers from @WSSURAMS, Mars Hill University, @ForsythTechCC, and @Hunt_Institute’s Dr. Waverly Whisenant @WRLWhisenant.

We’re live in Winston-Salem for the launch of #ElevateNC Cohort 6! John Lantz (@Hunt_Institute) opens our convening, welcoming local leaders committed to building stronger pathways for North Carolina students. From our first session: How do we reach NC’s ambitious goal of 2 million residents with a credential or degree by 2030? Jessica Swencki (@myFutureNC) joins #ElevateNC Fellows to explore progress, challenges, and collaboration across sectors.

It’s National Book Month! 📖 This October, we celebrate the joy of reading and the power of stories to inspire, challenge, and connect us. How to join in: — Pick up a new book (or reread a classic) — Start a book club with friends — Visit your local library or bookstore — Share a favorite book with someone you love — Read with a child and spark their imagination What’s the book you keep coming back to, year after year? #NationalBookMonth

The Hunt Institute is excited to announce the 6th cohort of **ElevateNC: Higher Education!** This group of 22 leaders—including state legislators, mayors, educators, and business leaders—will spend the next six months working together to expand postsecondary opportunities and prepare North Carolina’s workforce for the future. Read about the program here: hunt-institute.org/news/elev… @myfuturenc

We’re underway at #ECLS25! Tonight’s Fireside Chat features welcome remarks by Elliot Steinberg (@SaulZaentz) and Hunt Institute's Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, Sara Allan as moderator (@ValhallaFound), and our experts Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Gov. Jane Swift, Gov. Susana Martinez, and Dr. Penny Schwinn on bipartisan early childhood solutions. Big ideas to set the stage for the days ahead. Plus, a photo from the reception. @LtGovColemanKY @janeswiftMA @Gov_Martinez @SchwinnTeach @SaulZaentz @ValhallaFound @jsiddiqi7

Our first session explores how schools and key stakeholders collaborate to ensure smooth transitions for students entering higher ed. Thanks to The Hunt Institute's @WRLWhisenant Dr. Waverly Whisenant, Dr. Constance Hollingsworth-Pierce ( @unccharlotte ), and Aaron Mabe ( @NCCommColleges ) for leading! #NCHSPF

How do we ensure higher ed is affordable for NC students? @Hunt_Institute's @jclantz joins Dr. JuanEs Ramirez (@CFNC ) to share insights on costs, state investment, and meeting student needs beyond tuition.