A new alliance of 16 colleges and universities across New York’s Capital Region intends to reshape conversations about the value of credentials and degrees. The message: “College Is a Brave Choice.”
Closing the college attainment gap is crucial for improving the Capital Region’s long-term economic vitality, members of the new alliance contend. Yet roughly four in 10 adults over 25 in the area hold a postsecondary credential or degree, compared to more than half in metro regions like Boston and Washington, D.C.
As a state, just 45.7% of New York’s labor force holds a degree or credential, well below the national target of 75% set by the Lumina Foundation.
The alliance’s initial plans are broad. Through shared messaging, coordinated advocacy and regional partnerships, the Capital Region Higher Ed Alliance will strengthen workforce pipelines and elevate the value of higher education.
Pursuing a college degree is a courageous choice for many individuals, argues Dr. Matthew Shaftel, president of Russell Sage College and co-chair of the alliance.
“As institutions, we have a responsibility to meet that courage with transparency, accountability and meaningful outcomes,” he said. “This alliance ensures that we are backing up that conversation with results and doing that work together.”
The alliance includes a diverse mix of institutions, including community colleges, four-year colleges, research universities, and professional and law schools. Collectively, they offer a wide array of programs and pathways, including vocational training, certificates and micro-certificates.
Below is a complete list of partnering institutions:
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Albany Law School
- Belanger School of Nursing
- Capital Region Chamber
- Columbia-Greene Community College
- Excelsior University
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Maria College
- Russell Sage College
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Siena University
- Skidmore College
- SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech
- SUNY Empire State University
- SUNY Schenectady County Community College
- Union College
- University at Albany
Learn more about the Alliance here.
More from UB: Microcredentials get first-ever endorsement from accreditor
