Mission:
To expand access and success in postsecondary education.

Background:
The Lumina Foundation for Education started as the USA Group Foundation, a corporate giving program under the auspices of education financial services provider USA Group. When that company sold its student loan servicing business and other operations to Sallie Mae in 2000, the proceeds were used to transform the foundation into an independent, private foundation. The group took its current name in early 2001.

The foundation aims to increase access to education and student achievement, particularly among underserved groups. It provides research, evaluation, and grants for innovative programs, as well as communication, public policy, and leadership-development initiatives.

Outstanding Feature:
The foundation's recently redesigned Web site shares information about enhancing access and success in postsecondary education. Visitors can browse its extensive Research section, which contains relevant studies and developments in the field of higher education. The foundation features its own published work in the Publications section and highlights the outstanding work of its beneficiaries in the Grants section.