Public trust in major societal institutions is slipping and higher education is no exception, even among people who generally like their alma mater or hometown institution. 

• Fewer people perceive a postsecondary degree as an “excellent” or “good” return on investment. 
• More Americans say that colleges and universities have a negative effect on the U.S. for a multitude of reasons: from “too expensive,” to “not relevant,” to issues with perceived political biases.
• More institutions have experienced setbacks in critical goals like enrollment, retention, and state funding. 

But with a concerted effort to share and learn from experiences and solutions, we can work to advance higher education and draw attention to the benefits and impact institutions bring to their communities and society.  

Discover the Next is a partnership of CASE, American Council on Education, and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, generously supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Discover the Next is a platform to amplify stories around the benefits of higher education and connect advancement professionals with inspired solutions for their own community challenges. Education transforms lives and society and through Discover the Next, we are committed to sharing this message loud and clear.  

As advancement professionals, you are well equipped to champion these stories around personal achievement, economic advancement, scientific innovation, and community connection. By partnering with Discover the Next, you’ll be inspired by finding common ground with other institutions like yours, find new ways to approach issues in your community and strengthen the power and impact of our institutions as a whole—regardless of academic mission, enrollment size, or public or private status.  

And as CASE members, you’re likely doing this work in your communities—but your stories and experiences are important to tell. Here’s how you can get involved with Discover the Next and share your stories with the broader community:  

• Sign up to be a participating institution. When you sign up, your college or university name will be listed on the Discover the Next website.

• Partner with Discover the Next by sharing examples of initiatives on campus and in your community. Your stories will be shared on the Discover the Next platform where other institutions can see best practices and be inspired by your solutions. 

• Use the Discover the Next toolkit to share messaging and stories from your institution through your own channels, and tag @CASEAdvance or use #DiscoverTheNext when engaging on social media. 

• Think about other areas where you can have an impact—a communications channel, an alumni committee, a donor event—and how you can bring Discover the Next to highlight the value of your institution and higher education. 

For more information, please visit discoverthenext.org and connect with Andrew Schall, Project Manager, aschall@case.org.