ProGov21 Policy Library

Anchor institutions can be important drivers of economic growth. Through their spending and investment, employment and contracting, and their ability to generate ideas, information, and talent, they can spark innovative enterprises grounded in place. Their existence can be especially...

This report examines the economic power of anchor institutions in addressing economic disparities and creating opportunities for low-income residents. Anchor institutions are influential organizations, such as universities and hospitals, deeply embedded in local communities. The report...

As the community foundation field reaches the century mark and faces growing pressure on its business model, many communities at the same time are struggling with economic distress. To meet these converging challenges, an innovative group of community foundations are beginning to...

The higher education system is a major force in economic, racial, and gender inequality that serves the pockets of corporations and the ultra-wealthy. This report delves into the principles, membership, and strategies of Student Action, a group devoted to utilizing direct action,...

Anchor institutions are place-based entities such as universities and hospitals that are tied to their surroundings by mission, invested capital, or relationships to customers, employees, and vendors. These local human and economic relationships link institution well-being to that...

In spite of overwhelming odds, some immigrants with minimal academic credentials are finding their way to college, entering post-secondary programs and earning credentials that provide them with the skills required to get and keep good jobs. They are doing so with the assistance of...

Anchor institution-facilitated community wealth building can drive job growth and economic development. This report provides case studies for effectively leveraging anchor institutions to improve local economies and address climate change and improve communications and transportation...

It is widely acknowledged that hospitals and universities are anchor institutions - that is, place-based institutions that are tied to their location by reason of mission, invested capital, or relationships to customers or employees and hence have a vested interest in improving the...

Maryland is taking bold steps to increase the number of workers who possess a post-secondary education credential. In particular, Skills2Compete Maryland (S2C Maryland) is a campaign aimed at increasing post-secondary success to strengthen the skills of Maryland’s workforce. This...

Incomes, job security, and economic growth increasingly depend on postsecondary credentials with value in the labor market. While a vast number of adults in the labor market engage in noncredit occupational education and training, without common metrics or quality assurance mechanisms,...

In the past quarter century, universities have committed themselves to greater engagement in their communities. They are increasingly seen as "anchor" institutions - whose physical presence is integral to the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of the community. Urban-based universities...

Chester, Pennsylvania, a small, formerly industrial city located on the Delaware River, not far from Philadelphia, exemplifies the problems and possibilities faced by older manufacturing cities across the United States, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Chester's problems of...

Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of America's population, though many lack the necessary skills and education to meet the demands of industry and earn family sustaining wages. This report provides recommendations that can be taken in order to bridge the skills gap. These recommendations...

Michigan has shifted a total of $4.5 billion intended for K-12 public schools to universities and community colleges since 2010. This cut to K-12 education was not done for the benefit of postsecondary education, but to balance the state budget and compensate for General Fund dollars...

No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) was an offer by the State of Michigan from 2007-2010 of free tuition to low-income and unemployed workers willing to go back to school and earn a market-relevant degree or credential. This study explores the experiences of those who enrolled in NWLB, seeking...