Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will host a webinar, Thursday, March 11, as part of its Bridges to Success Equity Webinar series.

Alicia Sparer, the Student Success Center assistant director at Stephens College, will host the webinar, offering perspective on how a private women’s college supported student success and worked to close equity gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A corresponding white paper, covering the allocation of CARES Act funding to institutions of higher education, was published today by MDHEWD’s Office of Postsecondary Policy.  

Thursday’s webinar is the latest in a series of monthly presentations given by educators and advocates aimed at promoting equity throughout Missouri’s colleges and universities.

“Understanding equity in higher education means elevating voices that often go unheard,” said Dr. Mara Woody, assistant commissioner of the office of postsecondary policy. “This month’s webinar and white paper carry real significance because they’ll offer unique perspectives from women’s colleges, as well as community colleges that are fighting to secure more funding for their students.”

This week’s webinar will focus on how Stevens College addressed issues of equity during the pandemic and the lessons other schools can learn from that experience. The white paper examines funding disparities in CARES Act disbursements and how those disparities can be corrected.

Monthly equity webinars are scheduled to take place from now until June. Download the white paper, register for the upcoming webinar, and see future webinar dates at https://dhewd.mo.gov/equity_project.php.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.

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