Urban and metropolitan campuses are economic engines of opportunity — educating students, creating jobs, driving innovation and strengthening the regions they call home. Through teaching, research and partnerships, CUMU member institutions expand pathways to opportunity, promote regional prosperity and improve community well-being.

CUMU’s Economic Engines of Opportunity campaign showcases how CUMU members bring this mission to life. Together, these examples illustrate how higher education advances opportunity and prosperity in the regions we serve.

We invite member campuses to contribute. Featured case studies will appear here, in our monthly newsletter and on LinkedIn throughout the year — amplifying your work to a national audience of peers, policymakers, and partners.

Case studies can highlight work in any of the following areas:

• Startup and Entrepreneur Programs: university-led incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship initiatives
• Educational Outcomes: strategies that improve completion, employability and social mobility
• Anchor Initiatives: place-based investments, procurement and hiring strategies that strengthen local economies
• Health and Healthcare: partnerships improving community health, healthcare workforce development and access to care
• Public Safety: campus–community collaborations that promote safety, trust and resilience
• Workforce Development: aligning academic programs and partnerships with regional workforce needs
• Innovation and Research Translation: applied research, tech transfer and industry partnerships fueling regional innovation

We published a first set of case studies to illustrate what’s possible. Take a look and then share your story.