CUMU ANCHOR LEARNING NETWORK
CUMU ANCHOR LEARNING NETWORK
Urban and metropolitan colleges and universities are deeply rooted in the communities they call home — as major employers, purchasers, and investors, they have both the opportunity and the responsibility to direct their economic power toward the long-term well-being of those communities. This is the anchor mission: the intentional alignment of a college or university’s economic assets with the needs of its local community to support shared prosperity and well-being.
Through the Anchor Learning Network (ALN), CUMU members explore opportunities to advance anchor mission strategies through virtual sessions focused on learning, skill-building, and peer exchange. Each year, the ALN focuses on a theme that connects anchor mission work to a pressing challenge facing urban and metropolitan colleges and universities and the communities they serve.
2027 Anchor Learning Network: Economic engines of opportunity
We invite CUMU members to apply to participate in this year-long program to build individual capacity for anchor work and also to connect your campus with this powerful network.
In 2027, the Anchor Learning Network spotlights the vital role urban and metropolitan campuses play in regional economic development. From innovation to workforce development to campus roles as a purchaser and employer, our institutions create intentional positive impacts in our regions. Through virtual sessions focused on learning, skill-building, and peer exchange, CUMU members will explore strategies to advance their institution’s anchor mission.
If these topics resonate with you, and your campus is a CUMU member, you are invited to apply. There is no additional cost beyond your institutional CUMU membership.
Anchor Learning Network participants engage in a structured set of virtual and in-person activities designed for learning, skill-building, and networking in support of their institution’s anchor mission.
2027 APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON
Space is limited for this CUMU members only program.
WHY CUMU MEMBERS JOIN ALN
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
The Anchor Learning Network welcomes applications from individuals at CUMU member institutions in any role that includes a focus on the anchor mission, regardless of past participation. If more than one person from your campus is interested in joining ALN, each individual must apply separately as cohorts are formed based on individual submissions. ALN members are leaders and drivers of the anchor mission on their respective campuses and come from a variety of functional areas including:
- institutional data
- university economic development
- workforce development centers
- community/civic engagement
- government/community relations
- human resources
- procurement
- diversity and inclusion
- policy and strategic initiatives
- urban and community research centers
- faculty and faculty-administrators
SELECTION PROCESS
Space is limited and selection is based on applications from CUMU member institutions. ALN is not open to non-member campuses at this time. Learn more about CUMU membership.
2027 APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON
Have questions? Email us.
We’re here to help.
2026 Anchor Learning Network Program Activities
Anchor Learning Network participants engage in a structured set of virtual and in-person activities designed for learning, skill-building, and networking in support of their institution’s anchor mission.
Anchor Learning Network participants
In February 2018, CUMU member institutions joined in a pilot year called the Higher Education Anchor Mission Initiative. This pilot led to the creation of the Anchor Learning Network, which includes participants from the United States, Canada, England, and South Africa.