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Focused on learners, committed to progress

By Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director, Modern States Education Alliance A few years ago, I read a blog post by Steph Smith, growth marketer at Nvidia, titled “How to Be Great? Just Be Good, Repeatably.” In the blog, Smith writes: … I realized that it was not the sporadic highs that were exceptional, but instead the […]

I failed a quiz. What happens next?

One of the ways Modern States supports learning is by giving learners the flexibility to engage with course material at their own pace. Consistent with that commitment, learners can reattempt quizzes to check their understanding, revisit challenging concepts, build confidence over time, and earn the 75% average ultimately required to unlock each course’s final exam. […]

Over $59 Million in College Savings! Modern States’ 2025 Highlights

Over $59 Million in College Savings! Modern States’ 2025 Highlights Modern States turned 8 years old in August. We like to think – and our 2025 highlights reinforce – that we’re getting better with age. Tens of thousands of learners and educators are able to pursue their college dreams and their college degree while managing […]

What is Credit by Exam?

For many learners, navigating the path to a college degree can feel overwhelming. Tuition rates can be cost-prohibitive, college schedules can be inflexible, and balancing school with work or family commitments is challenging. An approach called credit by exam is a tool to make higher education more affordable and accessible. Credit by exam allows students […]

Student Innovators Build Solutions for Modern States

Twenty-five teams of college students worked feverishly in Columbus, Ohio, racing against the clock during JPMorganChase’s Code for Good Hackathon earlier this month. The event is part of the firm’s Tech for Social Good program and each Hackathon brings together changemakers and nonprofit organizations to solve real-world problems, allowing students to “showcase their tech skills […]

Honoring Military-Connected Learners

One of the most powerful ways we honor military service is through education. Since the creation of the GI Bill following World War II, education benefits have helped generations of service members transition to civilian life, learn new skills, and open doors of opportunity. In fact, research shows that education benefits are one of the […]

I’m a working adult – can Modern States help me finish my degree?

According to a BestCollege.com article citing findings from the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 4 million adult learners were enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the U.S. in fall 2023; these students accounted for 24% of the overall 16.4 million undergrads. Returning to school as an adult can feel overwhelming – especially when […]

Embracing Online Options for Intro College Courses

A recent article in The Hechinger Report (“Students can’t get into basic college courses, dragging out their time in school,” Sept. 2, 2025) underscores a systemic issue in higher education: students are often unable to access the courses they need to graduate on time. When institutions don’t offer enough sections of foundational classes, students are […]

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