The Center for Innovation in College Admission

About the Center

About the Center for Innovation in College Admission

Recent disruptions in higher education include the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on affirmative action, lingering effects on enrollment from the COVID-19 pandemic, and evolving economic realities and public perceptions of higher education across the country. These reasons and more underscore the urgent need for a more equitable college admission system. As students, families, institutions, and systems navigate the country’s current reality, the Center for Innovation in College Admission will be at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to the most pressing problems in higher education admission, aligning policies and practices with the needs of an increasingly diverse student body and strained admission workforce. By partnering with leaders in the field and investing in research-driven solutions, the center will build a more equitable admission system that promotes opportunity for all students, with a focus on marginalized students who face the greatest barriers to accessing and attaining a college degree.

Vision and Mission

Vision
We envision a future where the college admission process is equitable and accessible to all. We see a world where the admission process reflects the diversity and nuance of education, adapting to present and emerging educational theories, practices, and environments. By embracing innovation, we can create new pathways that guide students to and through higher education, dismantling systemic barriers and advancing racial equity.

Mission

Our mission is to shape the future of college admission through innovation, equity, and collaboration. We pioneer transformative research, design imaginative programs, and convene field leaders to ensure that admission policy and practice keeps pace with a rapidly changing educational environment — all in support of students and their pursuit of higher education.

Meet the Director

Erwin Hesse is a first-generation college graduate and the inaugural director of the Center for Innovation in College Admission. He has more than 15 years of experience that spans higher education and the private sector. He has served in senior leadership roles at Amazon, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland, and co-founded Admissions Gambit, an educational coaching service for high school students, college transfers, and graduate students. Read more about Erwin.

Special Thanks to Our Partners and Supporters

Partnering organizations and institutions:

  • Education First
  • Augsburg University
  • ASA Research

Supporters and funders:

  • Alexander Clark, philanthropist and founder/CEO of Technolutions
  • Lumina Foundation
  • Stuart Foundation
  • Strada Education Foundation
  • Youth Thriving Through Learning Fund