iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

How can your state’s funding better support rural students & institutions? Our new report, Built to Serve, offers recommendations after two years of research. Explore our findings now: tinyurl.com/yrfu4hsj #HigherEd #Funding #RuralFunding #StatePolicy

Graphic with a text box containing the phrase, "Discover how state funding policies can impact rural institutions," presented in a clean, professional font. Below this, the main focus of the image states, "Built to Serve: State Postsecondary Funding Formulas and Rural Colleges and Universities." This text is in a bold and easily readable font, emphasizing the topic's importance. At the bottom, there is an orange button-like shape with the text "Download Now," inviting viewers to take action.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Our new paper, From Drift to Direction, details the 4 key findings about enrollment shifts across public higher education. Discover what we recommend states consider and our key takeaways now. Read today: tinyurl.com/5b6e4sc8

Graphic on a dark blue background with the diverging road graphic from the report cover. The graphic features text: "From Drift to Direction: Mission Differentiation in an Era of Demographic Change" in bold, white text at the top. Below this, "Key Takeaways" appears prominently, followed by a brief point regarding enrollment shifts. This point explains that "Enrollment is shifting, and not evenly," and quotes, "The only public sector with sustained increases in student enrollment since 2010 has been the public research universities." At the bottom of the image, there’s a teal button with the text "Download Now" in white, encouraging interaction.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

State aid shortfalls hit several states this year, leaving students racing to cover gaps.NCHEMS Vice President @sarah-pingel.bsky.social says it's an issue with program design.Read the full @insidehighered.com article to learn what's driving the gaps & how states are responding: tinyurl.com/mez7842e

tinyurl.com

State Aid Shortfalls Are Common. Can They Be Addressed?

Each year, some states end up unable to meet demand for financial aid. Some officials are studying how to make their programs more reliable, but that might mean making sacrifices.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Cooperative Extension has the needed infrastructure. But is it being fully leveraged? Explore NCHEMS' full suite of Extension resources for state policymakers, SHEEOs, Extension, and institution leaders now: tinyurl.com/4e23h3yn #HigherEd #CooperativeExtension #RuralDevelopment #HigherEdPolicy

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Today at #SHEEO26, Senior Associate Nancy Stalowski moderates a panel with Program Administrator Alisha Cederberg (MI), Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade (MO), and Executive Director Jennifer Rogers (MS) on state financial aid policy innovations and how states can prepare for what's next. #HigherEd

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

MS IHL Board of Trustees has accepted the new performance funding framework NCHEMS developed for MS universities. It pairs foundational funding with outcomes-based performance measures. We're proud to partner with IHL on this milestone.Read more: tinyurl.com/yrmfcbz9 & tinyurl.com/43ss7h4k #HigherEd

Group photo of several members of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees and NCHEMS President Brian Prescott and Vice President Sarah Pingel in an office in front of the Mississippi state flag.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Pennsylvanians have public access to interactive higher education data dashboards for the first time. NCHEMS contributed to this milestone with the PA State Board of Higher Education & we're thrilled to see these important dashboards create more transparency.Read more: tinyurl.com/47fz98s5 #HigherEd

nchems.org

Pennsylvania Takes a Bold Step Forward in Higher Education Transparency - NCHEMS

Across the country, states are placing greater emphasis on understanding how their investments in higher education translate into meaningful outcomes for students, institutions, and the state. Pennsyl...

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The data from our new white paper, From Drift to Direction, tells a striking story about where enrollment growth has and hasn't happened across public higher education. Dive into our findings today: tinyurl.com/5b6e4sc8 #HigherEd #EnrollmentTrends #StatePolicy #HigherEdEnrollment

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Our new report looks at how state funding formulas affect rural colleges and universities and what states can consider to better account for them in their allocation decisions.Thanks to the ECMC Foundation for their support of this work! Read now: tinyurl.com/yrfu4hsj #HigherEd #RuralFunding #Policy

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

New Release: From Drift to Direction, authored by NCHEMS President Brian Prescott & Vice President @sarah-pingel.bsky.social, examines enrollment shifts public #HigherEd & what states can do in response. Thanks to @luminafoundation.bsky.social for supporting this work! Read now: tinyurl.com/5b6e4sc8

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

70% of state aid programs require the FAFSA, serving 4.3M students and disbursing $15B annually. When federal infrastructure falters, states absorb the cost. Our new report breaks down what that looks like and what needs to change. Read report: nchems.org/wp-content/u...

Graphic with text reading, "Supporting State Financial Aid Policy Development in Dynamic Times. Read the full report today to see what the data reveals, and what policymakers should consider next." Below this text are three different colored circles with text reading one of the following statements: "70% of reviewed state financial aid programs require the FAFSA. 4.3M students served by FAFSA-linked programs. $15 disbursed annually through these programs." In the background of the graphic is a photo of a capital building that's semi-transparent on the blue background.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

ICYMI: How does your state formally recognize Cooperative Extension? Our brief, including the 50-state statutory scan, helps state higher ed leaders answer that question and identify where the opportunities are. Read now: nchems.org/wp-content/u... #HigherEd #StatePolicy #CooperativeExtension

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Today, NCHEMS President Brian Prescott and Vice President @sarah-pingel.bsky.social are attending the Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning's Board meeting. Thank you, Alcorn State University, for your hospitality and for hosting this meeting!

Photo of NCHEMS Vice President Sarah Pingel standing at a podium in front of a large screen showing a presentation from NCHEMS. Pingel is wearing a gray blazer with a black blouse, black skirt, and black flats. In the foreground of the photo is a table with a pen and paper next to a table tent reading Pingel's name. To the right of the podium is a conference table set up with a diverse group of people listening ot the presentation.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

🚨New from NCHEMS, with support from @stradaeducation.bsky.social: When federal financial aid infrastructure is disrupted, states and students pay the price. Our new report examines what that looks like and what needs to change. Read now: tinyurl.com/25xec9vu #HigherEd #FinancialAid #StatePolicy

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

ICYMI: A projected 4.6M worker gap is coming, and Cooperative Extension's nearly 100M education contacts are an underleveraged part of the answer. Read our brief to learn how CPL and skills validation can recognize Extension learning so it counts toward careers and credentials: tinyurl.com/bdf5dkfu

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

ICYMI: Workforce Pell expands opportunity. State systems will determine whether students can actually access it. Read our blog on what states need to do next and why the window for those decisions is now. nchems.org/workforce-pe... #HigherEd #FinancialAid #WorkforcePell #StatePolicy

Graphic with text reading, "Workforce Pell expands opportunity. State systems will determine whether this opportunity translates into access and completion for students." Below this text reads, "Read Workforce Pell Doesn't Come with State Aid Instructions now." In the background is a semi-transparent photo of a Black female student operating machinery while an instructor and other students observe in a machine shop on a college campus.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Two years of research. Five partner institutions. One clear finding: Extension is underutilized. Our new report examines what it takes for Cooperative Extension to fully serve as a driver of rural development, and what's getting in the way. Read now: tinyurl.com/ythvzcje

Graphic with text reading, "New Release. Cooperative Extension as a Transformative Intermediary in Rural Development." Under this text is a black-and-white photo of two people wearing safety glasses working on a piece of machinery in a workshop. Below the photo is a blue box with text reading, "Read now to uncover the barriers and opportunities shaping Extension's role in rural development. "

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Two years in the making: our report on Cooperative Extension as a Transformative Intermediary in Rural Development is out now. Thanks for Ascendium Education Group for their support to make this work possible. Dive in today: tinyurl.com/ythvzcje #HigherEd #CooperativeExtension #WorkforceDevelopment

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

State policy choices shape what Cooperative Extension can and can’t do for workforce development, rural communities, and higher ed strategy. That variation has real consequences. Explore our brief to see what your state should consider: tinyurl.com/5np54a2n. #HigherEd #CooperativeExtension #SHEEOs

raphic with a quote reading, "Although Extension's federal foundation is consistent nationwide, states exercise considerable discretion in how they recognize, support, and integrate Extension into their own policy frameworks." Below this quote is text reading, "Read more in Cooperative Extension in State Policy: Roles, Structure, and Opportunities for State Higher Education Leadership." In the background of the graphic is a black-and-white photo of a multiracial group of students learning to use rooting powder to propagate plants from cuttings in a greenhouse on a college campus.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Workforce Pell expands federal aid into short-term credentials. But state aid systems weren't built for this, & the gap is bigger than most realize. In a recent blog, we detailed what our review of 381 state programs found & what it would actually take to bridge it: tinyurl.com/4he9jcfm #HigherEd

tinyurl.com

Workforce Pell Doesn't Come With State Aid Instructions - NCHEMS

Workforce Pell represents one of the most significant expansions of federal financial aid in more than 50 years. By extending Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality, short-term workforce programs, inc...

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

🚨New Brief: Cooperative Extension is in every state, but often missing from higher ed strategy. This brief explores how statutory framing and funding shape its role. Must read from SHEEOs and policymakers: tinyurl.com/wzvp8re5 #HigherEd #CooperativeExtension #StatePolicy #HigherEdPolicy

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

College-going rates of recent high school graduates have been trending downward over many years, though there are signs of recent improvement. Do you know what your state's trends are, and how your state compares to others? Explore this helpful tool today: nchems.org/college-rate... #HigherEd

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

How do states serve students with shrinking enrollment & existing infrastructure? NCHEMS President Brian Prescott weighs in on the rise of "systemness 2.0" in this recent @chronicle.com article. Check out the full article now: www.chronicle.com/article/publ... #HigherEd #Systemness #CollegeAccess

chronicle.com

Public Colleges Are Finally Learning to Share

A new wave of state-level reform tests an old idea — that “systemness” is the key to sustainability.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

How does “rural” get defined? What does that definition mean for college funding? Our dashboard lets you explore rurality definitions, enrollment, and state & local funding for public institutions. Check out this tool now: nchems.org/rural-defini... #HigherEd #Rurality #StateFunding #HigherEdFunding

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

NCHEMS is pleased that our governance research and engagement helped inform action at the University of Hawaiʻi. Read more now: Read more now: www.hawaii.edu/news/2026/02... Learn more about NCHEMS' work with the University of Hawaiʻi System: nchems.org/project/univ... #HigherEd

hawaii.edu

UH launches search to re-establish UH Mānoa chancellor position | University of Hawaiʻi System News

The chancellor will provide strategic leadership across academic affairs, research, student success, enrollment and administrative operations.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Cooperative Extension services ~100 million people, helping them learn real, in-demand skills. The challenge now? Making sure Extension learning counts. Our brief explores pathways to credit and career advancement. Read now: tinyurl.com/5np54a2n #HigherEd #CooperativeExtension #Workforce

Graphic with a black and white photo of a group of people working in a community garden together. Over the photo is a quote reading, "As a major provider of noncredit education, Extension has an immense opportunity in structuring programming that best positions the learner to progress toward their educational and/or professional goals." Below this quoted text is a semi-opaque blue box with text reading, "Read more in Recognizing Extension Learning: Pathways to Credit and Career Advancement."

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Earlier this month, we were excited to host our Board of Directors. During this meeting, our Board met with our NCHEMS team, discussed important changes, and explored possible new policy initiatives. Thanks to our Board for their time and continued leadership! #HigherEd #BoardofDirectors

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

The workforce gap is real & growing. #CooperativeExtension serves millions of learners, but structural barriers & lack of alignment keep that learning from counting toward credit or careers. Explore how skills validation, policy coordination, & infrastructure can change it: tinyurl.com/5np54a2n

Graphic with a text reading, "New Release. Recognizing Extension Learning: Pathways to Credit and Career Advancement. Read now to discover strategies that can address how Cooperative Extension learning can combat the workforce gap." There is a black-and-white photo of an older black man and a younger black woman, both wearing hard hats, looking at a paper in a warehouse.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Millions learn through Cooperative Extension programs, but their skills often go unrecognized. Our new brief examines pathways for noncredit learning to academic credit and career mobility. Read now: tinyurl.com/5np54a2n #HigherEd #CooperativeExtension #WorkforceDevelopment #Policy #StatePolicy

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Where can policymakers and researchers get answers on higher ed trends? Our resource, HigherEdInfo, was meant to be a hub for providing info that policymakers need to make sound, data-informed decisions. Learn about HigherEdInfo or submit a data request today: tinyurl.com/ysp9t6ft #HigherEducation

nchems.org

HigherEdInfo - NCHEMS

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

New blog series: we examine how community colleges & Cooperative Extension can partner more intentionally to support climate resilience & rural workforce needs. Thanks FoundationCCC for collaborating on the series & @luminafoundation.bsky.social for their support. Read now: tinyurl.com/4eu5j7z3

tinyurl.com

Cooperative Extension and Community Colleges: Partnering for Resilience - NCHEMS

This blog was created in partnership with the Foundation for California Community Colleges with the support of the Lumina Foundation. Special thanks to Jeff Clary for his collaboration on this series....

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

ICYMI: NCHEMS' inaugural Annual Report highlights how we help leaders turn data into strategy for higher education. Explore our work to learn the story of evidence, collaboration, and statewide impact. Read now: tinyurl.com/ytkc9zba #HigherEd #AnnualReport #Strategy #HigherEdPolicy

Graphic for the NCHEMS' 2025 Annual Report with photos and text reading, "ICYMI: Explore our Annual Report!"

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

ICYMI: Our blog shows why Cooperative Extension belongs in statewide higher ed strategy. Key takeaways: Extension boosts rural workforce efforts, brings local insight, and strengthens pathways from education to employment. Read now: tinyurl.com/mpdh8n8p #HigherEd #Extension #Policy #Workforce

tinyurl.com

Why Cooperative Extension Belongs in Statewide Higher Education Strategy - NCHEMS

Cooperative Extension is a noncredit service of land-grant universities, as well as some historically Black and tribal colleges and universities. It’s designed to reach people throughout each state wi...

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

NCHEMS Senior Associates Louisa Hunkerstorm and Nancy Stalowski joined the @completecollege.bsky.social Annual Convening this week, focused on data-driven strategies that strengthen student pathways and completion. hanks to CCA — and the M&T Bank Stadium reception was a great bonus! #HigherEd

Photo of NCHEMS Senior Associates Nancy Stalowski (left) and Louisa Hunkerstorm (right) smiling in front of a conference stadium with a sign reading "Complete College America”.

Photo of NCHEMS Senior Associates Louisa Hunkerstorm (left) and Nancy Stalowski (right) standing in front of an empty M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

ICYMI: Our blog unpacks the report we created for the American Association of Community Colleges, highlighting how community colleges can use data and foresight to thrive amid change. Check out the insights and full blog: tinyurl.com/2xdsun8y #HigherEd #CommunityColleges #Strategy

tinyurl.com

Community Colleges Must Become Resilient by Design - NCHEMS

Community colleges, which have endured a decade-long decline in enrollment, are entering a period of rapid and unavoidable change. A new report, Resilient by Design, authored by NCHEMS and recently re...

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Last month, we hosted an in-person meeting in TN with our advisory group and working group sites for our project. Great discussions on rural #HigherEd and workforce development through Cooperative Extension. Thanks to all who joined and to the Rutherford County Extension office for your hospitality.

Photo of a group of diverse men and women sitting at a long table in a restaurant, all smiling.

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

ICYMI: Our blog with Education Commission of the States breaks down how states fund public higher education. State funding models shape access, affordability, & outcomes in higher ed. Revisit our blog to explore: tinyurl.com/4bz2fkzh #HigherEd #PostsecondaryFunding #Funding

nchems.org

How States Fund Public Colleges and Universities - NCHEMS

This blog was created in partnership with Education Commission of the States. We appreciate their collaboration on this resource and blog post. Public colleges and universities rely heavily on state...

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Funding and governance shape how Cooperative Extension supports rural resilience. Earlier this year, we released a study that explores this matter. Read our study, Shaping Community Impact: tinyurl.com/4e23h3yn *Go to resources to download the study. #HigherEd #RuralDevelopment #Extension

tinyurl.com

Serving Rural America Through Land-Grant Colleges & Universities: Unlocking the Workforce Development Potential of Extension Services - NCHEMS

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Community colleges are navigating rapid change. Resilient by Design, a report prepared by NCHEMS and published by the American Association of Community Colleges, offers a roadmap for navigating what’s ahead. Explore the toolkits to help campus leaders plan for change: tinyurl.com/m4nkm26m #HigherEd

aacc.nche.edu

Resilient By Design - AACC

As AACC works to address current and future challenges, the AACC board sought an external, deeply informed scan of the likely future environment within which colleges will need to operate. The Board o...

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

The numbers tell our story: 20 projects, 17 reports, and countless insights. Explore NCHEMS’ annual report to learn how we turn evidence into a story of impact. Read now: tinyurl.com/bde7ajf3 #HigherEd #AnnualReport #Strategy

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

A lot can happen in a year. Our inaugural annual report captures the impact behind the numbers and the people who make it possible. See highlights from a year of evidence-driven projects across 13 states and explore the full report: tinyurl.com/bde7ajf3 #HigherEd #Strategy #Policy #AnnualReport

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Federal uncertainty shouldn’t put students’ aid at risk. With support from Strada Education Foundation, NCHEMS is launching a new project aimed at helping states strengthen and modernize their aid policies while keeping them student-centered. Learn more: tinyurl.com/3srwp72t #HigherEd #FinancialAid

tinyurl.com

States of Opportunity: Building Meaningful Connections Between the FAFSA and State Financial Aid - NCHEMS

Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library. Imagine a high school senior in West Virginia, the first in her family to go to college, sitting at her computer trying to file the FAFSA on h...

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NCHEMS @nchems.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

How states fund #HigherEd shapes access, affordability & performance. Our new blog, co-authored with Education Commission of the States unpacks the updated 50-State Comparsion: Postsecondary Funding and what it reveals about state priorities. Explore the blog: tinyurl.com/4bz2fkzh #Funding

tinyurl.com

How States Fund Public Colleges and Universities - NCHEMS

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