Strada Education Network in Indianapolis has announced the 15 winning institutions of the first phase of its $10 million grant challenge.

Strada is partnering with the Taskforce on Higher Education and Opportunity in the Beyond Completion Challenge, which helps institutions develop on-campus initiatives to improve student’s higher education experiences, specifically for students of color, first-generation students, those who struggle to afford education, and adult students and workers. Each of the phase one winners will receive up to $250,000 in support of curriculum and career guidance, work-based learning, capacity building, and technology innovations.

“As we recover from a worldwide pandemic, we understand that our economy and our education system are changing dramatically,” said Ruth V. Watkins, president of Strada Impact, which leads the network’s research, philanthropy, thought leadership, and policy efforts. “The good news is that institutions of higher learning are rising to the challenge and are shifting their focus beyond completion of credentials and degrees. The Beyond Completion Challenge was designed not just to come up with new ideas for how to achieve that goal, but to put resources behind them so that more students can benefit. We were delighted with the quality of the proposals and are thrilled to support this terrific work.”

For the complete list of phase one winners, see the Strada Education Network website.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Joyce Diva)