Explore our most recent case studies
We work to make education more accessible, affordable, accountable, and equitable
Our work is large-scale, interconnected, driven by data and grounded in learner and parent perspectives. By working in every part of the education system, we provide a broad point of view and deep knowledge that allows for bigger impact.
For over 12 years, HCM has worked across several states to transform the higher education financing model.
Since HCM’s founding, our K-12 team has focused on parent engagement across several states as a way to improve student outcomes and create more equitable opportunities.
HCM Strategists created the Courage and Hidden Common Ground Collaborative to help state-based organizations find common ground and amplify public support for equity-centered policies in support of higher education initiatives
A National Imperative: Addressing Declining Black Student Enrollments to Fully Realize Black Leaner Excellence in Higher Ed
Project: Realizing Black Learner Excellence in Higher Ed
Length: 2021 - Present
Focus Area: Market + Policy Research and Analysis, Designing, Evaluating and Implementing Policy Agendas, Strategic Communications, Campaigns and Coalitions
Category: Postsecondary
Together with EducationCounsel, Achieving the Dream, and with support from Lumina Foundation, HCM Strategists is building a coalition to enact a national call to action that addresses decades-long declining enrollments among Black learners.
The Tackling Transfer Initiative
Project: Tackling Transfer Initiative
Length: 2018 - 2021
Focus Area: Change Management Strategies
Category: Postsecondary
HCM Strategists spearheaded the Tackling Transfer Initiative to create conditions for improvements in community college transfer that are scalable and measurable to achieve greater equity for students from low-income households and students of color.
K-12 ESSA Plans: Deep Diving into State K-12 Accountability Systems
Project: State K-12 Accountability Systems
Length: 2015 - Present
Focus Area: Market & Policy Research + Analysis
Category: K-12
Amidst a backdrop of fast-moving policy change, HCM Strategists recognized the importance of safeguarding states’ commitment to equity and success for all students and partnered with some of the nation’s leading education policy and advocacy organizations to track, analyze and help strengthen states’ accountability plans.
Support for Equity-Minded Leadership
Project: HCM Equity Framework
Length: Ongoing
Focus Area: Strategic Advice and Counsel
Category: Postsecondary
HCM believes state, system, institutional and community-based equity-minded leadership is needed to identify and eliminate postsecondary educational disparities that exist pervasively across racial, ethnic, income, geographic and gender lines.
Building Capacity for Change in Federal Financial Aid Advocacy
Project: Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD)
Length: 2013 - 2017
Focus Area: Designing + Implementing Policy Agendas
Category: Postsecondary
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD) initiative yielded important policy and seeded collaboration around federal financial aid improvement options.
IMPACT | Transforming funding and financial aid systems across the country
For over 12 years, HCM has worked across several states to transform the higher education financing model.
IMPACT | Improving student outcomes by bridging the “disconnect gap” between families and schools
Since HCM’s founding, our K-12 team has focused on parent engagement across several states as a way to improve student outcomes and create more equitable opportunities.
IMPACT | Building public will for racial equity, postsecondary education opportunities, and a healthier democracy
HCM Strategists created the Courage and Hidden Common Ground Collaborative to help state-based organizations find common ground and amplify public support for equity-centered policies in support of higher education initiatives