Shafiqua Little

Policy Associate

Recent Publications by Shafiqua Little

The report explores the impact of race-specific state higher education funding policies in Minnesota, New Jersey, and North Carolina. It examines how these policies aim to dismantle racial inequities by directing resources toward Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students and the institutions that serve them. The research highlights the challenges and successes of outcomes-based funding and tuition discount programs in addressing racial disparities in college access and success. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing equity at both the student and institutional levels. Key findings include the positive impact of race-explicit metrics in funding formulas. These metrics have demonstrably steered resources toward under-resourced students and institutions serving diverse populations. However, the report also acknowledges the difficulties faced by Minority-Serving institutions and HBCUs when competing for funds under zero-sum models that limit overall resources. Additionally, the study explores the potential consequences of Promise programs on neighboring states, highlighting concerns about enrollment shifts and the need to consider the impact on community colleges. The recommendations emerging from the research urge policymakers to consider the full ecosystem of postsecondary institutions when designing funding initiatives, ensuring that funding programs are additive rather than overlapping to maximize outcomes. The report also emphasizes the importance of supporting additional costs of college in Promise programs to promote equity for students affected by systemic barriers. Furthermore, funding basic needs support and conducting needs assessments are recommended to ensure that initiatives effectively address pertinent needs and promote student success. More research is needed. The report suggests following the implementation of initiatives in North Carolina and Minnesota to assess their impact on racial disparities in completion. It also highlights the need to examine how institutions adjust their selection of optional metrics in outcomes-based funding formulas to better support marginalized student populations. Additionally, the study points toward the importance of exploring the intersection of outcomes-based funding and Promise programs to understand their implications on institutional funding and student success in higher education.

Publication

Examining the Effectiveness of Race-Specific Funding Strategies in Higher Education

Kri Burkander, Shafiqua Little, Mycaeri Atkinson

As states reckon with racial enrollment and attainment gaps in higher education, some have made efforts to address them through their higher education funding. Two common approaches are outcomes-based funding (OBF) and Promise programs, as…

Key Projects by Shafiqua Little

Advancing Racial Equity in Higher Education Attainment

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We evaluate programs, study policies, and conduct research on timely, impactful education reforms, topics, and programs. Browse our current and historical projects to see what we’ve been up to.

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Our publications are accessible, informative, and answer the most pressing questions on a wide array of education topics.

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