American high schools were built for a different era. Carnegie’s new R&D Agenda outlines priorities to transform them—from real-world learning to meaningful credentials—backed by policy and generative AI and infrastructure.

In our August newsletter, we reflect on the need for a broader, more grounded understanding of postsecondary education that centers access and long-term outcomes. Read more:

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A compelling overview of a still maturing landscape.

Carnegie's August Learning Landscape features reporting on both high school transformation and postsecondary innovation, revealing how regional and national efforts are converging on a single idea -- students deserve learning that leads somewhere.

Shared Vision and Decision-Making is one of the eight actionable priorities in our R&D Agenda. Students, families, educators, employers, policymakers, postsecondary institutions, and organizations all play a role in designing a new education architecture.

The career-connected learning pathways being developed by RAZ-32 initiative come from students, reminding us that progress often comes from communities working in concert toward shared goals.

As a former teacher, district leader, funder, and now president of @ChamplainEdu, Alex Hernandez understands what it takes to build systems that align learning with real opportunity. We’re grateful to welcome him to the Carnegie Foundation!.

With @XQAmerica, we launched the Future of High School Network this summer, bringing together 24 "wildly diverse" school systems committed to reimagining the high school experience. Grateful to Lauren Camera at @The74 for spotlighting the network!.

Relevant Insights for Families calls for clearer, more useful ways to share progress and strengthen school-family partnerships. Explore this and other actionable priorities in our R&D Agenda for High School Transformation. Download here:

Caught in the middle of a political battle, @BlackRock reaffirmed its focus is helping millions of Americans save for retirement. They warned that injecting politics from either side risks undermining financial performance.

@Forbes This is the same question that shaped our Student Access and Earnings Classification, released in April, which recognized 479 Opportunity Colleges and Universities working to expand access and drive economic mobility for students.

What does “value” in higher education mean today? In @Forbes, Jamie Merisotis digs into the evolving conversation around postsecondary outcomes, earnings data, and institutional responsibility.

Colleges and universities that support these choices and make them truly viable will matter more than ever.

The four-year college remains the top choice for many parents, but growing interest in two-year programs and industry credentials suggests that families are open to more flexible, career-aligned pathways.

RT @NEAAAT_Aerospac: Thank you @EducationNC for sharing the exciting news about our involvement in The Future of High School Network. @NCAC….

@hechingerreport The emergent model includes seals that reflect different types of readiness, higher ed, workforce, and service. We’re watching with interest as Katie Jenner's efforts take shape.

The New Indiana Diploma, thoughtfully detailed by Kavitha Cardoza for @hechingerreport, is one of the more visible efforts to create a structure that acknowledges a wider range of skills and postsecondary plans.

Our R&D Agenda for High School Transformation invites schools to rethink structures and priorities, recognizing that building a culture of trust is as foundational to learning as any curriculum or technology. Download the full Carnegie R&D Agenda:

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It’s a compelling example of how public schools can explore new models while remaining grounded in their communities.

In Eastern Hancock Schools, Superintendent George Philhower is helping shape a new approach to rural education through microschools, offering students more voice in their learning and giving educators greater flexibility to design meaningful experiences.

“Higher education has been addicted to inputs. Let’s move from inputs to outcomes.". Carnegie President @TimothyKnowles_joined education leaders and policymakers for a timely conversation on what makes a college degree valuable. We thank NCSL for hosting this important dialogue.

The Student Access and Earnings Classification aims to surface postsecondary institutions that deliver strong outcomes for students. We’re heartened to see how institutions are using this recognition as both an affirmation and a motivator.