Bowie State University Joins National Effort to Strengthen Career-connected Learning and Work

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State University has been selected as one of 16 colleges and universities nationwide to participate in From Campus to Career, a national initiative supported by Lumina Foundation. This program aims to enhance career-connected, high-impact practices, and strengthen workforce outcomes for students.

"At Bowie State, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student graduates not only with a degree but also with valuable experiences that link learning to workforce readiness in Maryland and beyond," said Jared E. Moffett, D.B.H., M.Ed., B.S., C., executive director of Career & Experiential Education. "This opportunity will help us expand experiential learning opportunities, deepen partnerships with employers, and create clearer pathways for students to translate their academic experiences into successful careers."

Through the initiative, Bowie State will receive $100,000 over two years, along with tailored technical assistance and cohort-based support from national higher education intermediaries to expand and strengthen career-connected learning opportunities.

High-impact practices such as internships, undergraduate research, service learning, capstone projects, and student employment are widely associated with increased student engagement, deeper learning, and higher completion rates. This initiative aims to connect experiences with career pathways and labor market demands, ensuring that students graduate equipped with the skills employers require.

This work aligns with Bowie State's Boldly Forward FY26-29 Strategic Plan and is supported through the Engage Center for Experiential Learning & Career Readiness. The center serves as a student-focused hub that integrates experiential learning, career pathways, and employer connections to better prepare students for career success after graduation.

Lumina launched From Campus to Career to help institutions scale career-connected high-impact practices that strengthen the value of a bachelor's degree.

"Too many students complete meaningful academic experiences without clear pathways to translate those experiences into career opportunities," said Jasmine Haywood, strategy director for credentials of value at Lumina. "If a credential is going to hold value in the labor market, students must graduate with the ability to demonstrate the skills and competencies employers need. Career-connected, high-impact practices are one of the most powerful tools we have to make that connection visible and real."

The 16 selected institutions represent a diverse cross-section of higher education, including regional public universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and large research universities. Together, they will serve as national models for integrating academic learning with career preparation.

"In an era of rising skepticism about the value of college, strengthening the connection between learning and work is essential," said Debra Humphreys, vice president of strategic engagement at Lumina. "When students can clearly see and show how their education prepares them for meaningful careers, the value of a credential becomes tangible."

The initiative is implemented in partnership with Excelencia in Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the Center for Innovation in Postsecondary Education, which will support participating institutions through technical assistance and cross-campus learning opportunities.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State University offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311