As leaders across North Carolina work to make progress toward the state’s ambitious postsecondary attainment goal of two million North Carolinians with a credential or degree by 2030, The Hunt Institute and myFutureNC are working together to establish a network of engaged champions who can drive progress on attainment in their communities. ElevateNC: Higher Education is a postsecondary leadership program designed to build state and regional leadership capacity and to provide a forum for the development of statewide and community-specific strategies that increase postsecondary attainment.
Over a period of approximately ten months, leaders will meet for four in-person sessions, each held in a different part of the state. Sessions will take place over two days (from lunch on day one through lunch on day two) and will offer a variety of learning experiences, including discussions with experts, conversations with students and practitioners, and a review of high-impact strategies for moving the needle on student outcomes. Each meeting will include time for cohort members to develop an action plan to advance higher education once they return to their communities.
Curriculum
The ElevateNC program allows the cohort to dig into a variety of higher education policy topics, with each meeting structured around a content theme:
- Meeting One | North Carolina’s Higher Education Landscape
- Meeting Two | Access to Higher Education
- Meeting Three | Supporting Postsecondary Student Success
- Meeting Four | Ensuring Postsecondary Completion and Attainment
What are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
An ideal candidate for the ElevateNC: Higher Education cohort is a policymaker, practitioner, advocate, or other stakeholder whose work touches on higher education policy. We seek individuals who are motivated to drive change on attainment and narrow equity gaps.
What is the application cycle?
ElevateNC participation is by invitation only. To be considered for a future cohort or to recommend a future cohort member, please nominate them here.
The recruitment cycle takes place in early spring.
How many cohort members are accepted?
We added 26 new members for the 2022-2023 Cohort. We generally accept 25-30 members for each Cohort.
Is attendance at all meetings mandatory?
Yes – due to the interactive nature of the program and the small cohort size, all participants are required to attend all four meetings and are expected to hold the dates on their calendars.
Is there any cost to participating in the program?
No – all expenses related to the ElevateNC: Higher Education program (i.e. mileage reimbursement and other travel expenses as needed, hotel accommodations, and meals) will be covered by The Hunt Institute.
If I am not selected, can I be considered for future cohorts?
Yes, if applicants wish to be considered for future cohorts, The Hunt Institute will keep their applications on file for future consideration.
I have a question that is not addressed here. Who can I contact?
For any questions related to the ElevateNC: Higher Education program, please contact Dr. Madeline Smith, Director of Higher Education, at msmith@hunt-institute.org.
