Missouri selected for national Lumina Foundation cohort to strengthen adult learner engagement

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is pleased to announce that Missouri has been selected as one of only three states to join a national cohort supported by Lumina Foundation, aimed at building stronger statewide systems that help adult learners return to and complete college.

The Lumina-led initiative, Building Brands to Engage Adult Students, will support states in developing strategic branding and user-centered digital experiences that make it easier for adults to explore education opportunities and take steps toward enrollment. The 18-month cohort provides funding, coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning to help states build digital and communications infrastructure that meets the needs of today's adult learners.

"We are grateful to Lumina for selecting Missouri to participate in this important national effort," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. "Thousands of Missourians are interested in returning to college, but interest alone isn't enough. This work closely aligns with our statewide priorities to remove barriers, expand clear pathways to postsecondary opportunities, and help Missouri lead the Midwest in both educational attainment and labor force participation."

Missouri's participation allows the department to expand its ongoing College Reconnect initiative, which partners with public and independent institutions to identify, engage, and re-enroll Missourians who have some college but no credential. Current efforts focus on targeted outreach using predictive analytics and institution-level supports in the metro areas of St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia.

Through College Reconnect, Missouri adults gain access to an interactive digital platform that connects them with a participating institution of their choosing and provides personalized guidance to help them return to college and succeed. Early results show strong interest from adult learners, while also underscoring the need for clearer, more personalized pathways to enrollment.

Using support provided by the Building Brands cohort, MDHEWD will strengthen Missouri's digital infrastructure to create an innovative, coordinated experience for adults interested in returning to college and will expand the program to serve adult learners statewide. With over 700,000 Missourians who have some college but no credential, improving adult learner engagement is vital to ensuring the state has the skilled talent needed for long-term economic growth.