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.
2026 Anchor Learning Network: Strengthening the workforce
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 2026, the Anchor Learning Network spotlights the vital role urban and metropolitan campuses play in strengthening regional workforces. From preparing students for meaningful careers to addressing pressing talent needs, our campuses can create intentional, positive impacts in our regions. Through virtual sessions focused on learning, skill-building, and peer exchange, CUMU members 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.
Debbie Darr
Debbie DarrDirector of Membership & Operations, CUMU
Stephen E. Davenport
Assistant Vice President for Social & Economic Development, Virginia Commonwealth University
Valerie Holton
Chief Executive Officer, CUMU
Stacey Johnson
Stacey JohnsonDirector of Learning & Engagement, CUMU
Prima Wagan
Senior Manager, Economic Development Projects, University of Missouri–St. Louis
Join us for the Anchor Learning Network 2026 kick-off: Workforce development and the anchor mission on Wednesday, December 3, 3–4 p.m. ET.
Learn about the ALN and hear from featured guest, Dr. Jennifer Kebea, about how workforce development connects to every aspect of campus life and helps drive forward the anchor mission. This virtual meeting is to open to all CUMU members, including those already enrolled in the 2026 Anchor Learning Network and those who are interested in joining but have not yet submitted an application.
Participate in five virtual sessions with a cohort of peers to explore CUMU’s Anchor Mission Framework, co-create solutions to common challenges, and share insights from your own work and experiences.
Cohort meetings take place virtually on Mondays, 3–4 p.m. ET on February 16, March 23, April 20, August 10 and September 14.
Two days of learning and networking with guest presenters. Open to all. Visit the ALN Action Summit page to view last year’s program.
The culminating experience of the 2026 Anchor Learning Network takes place at the 2026 CUMU Annual Conference in Houston, TX. Meet colleagues from across the CUMU network and build momentum for your institutional initiatives.
The 2026 CUMU Annual Conference takes place November 8–11 in Houston, TX.
2026 APPLICATIONS CLOSED
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.
2026 APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Have questions? Email us.
We’re here to help.
2025 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.
Stephen E. Davenport
Assistant Vice President for Social & Economic Development, Virginia Commonwealth University
Stacey Johnson
Director of Learning & Engagement, CUMU
Valerie Holton
Chief Executive Officer, CUMU
Participants are assigned to a cohort of peers from different institutions but with similar interests and institutional roles. During the six cohort meetings, focused on small group activities and discussion, cohorts explore CUMU’s Anchor Mission Framework and related resources, co-create solutions to common challenges, and share insights from their own work and experiences.
Cohort meetings take place virtually in March, April, May, August, September, and November.
The 2025 ALN Action Summit, June 3–4, is a two-day, virtual experience that includes informational sessions, guest presenters, as well as opportunities for networking and cohort time.
The culminating experience of the 2025 Anchor Learning Network cohort takes place at the 2025 CUMU Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD. This meeting is currently scheduled for Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m. Meet colleagues from across the CUMU network, share ideas, and build momentum for your institutional initiatives.
The 2025 CUMU Annual Conference takes place October 26–29 in Baltimore, MD.
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.