NEW ENGLAND BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION . . . Working Together

New England Journal of Higher Education, The, 2005

Half a century ago, six visionary New England governors realized that New England's future hopes rested with higher education. Against a backdrop of deep economic uncertainty and exploding college enrollments fueled by the G.I. Bill, these governors formed the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and committed their states to the shared pursuit of excellence. Soon after that, NEBHE was approved by New England's six state legislatures and authorized by the U.S. Congress.

Much has changed since those days. New technologies have transformed New England's workplaces, schools and homes. The clang of the machine shop has given way to the click of the mouse. New populations have enriched the region's economy and culture. And a college education has become a prerequisite of upward mobility-a pathway to economic success and civic engagement.

A few things have not changed. One, New England's future is inextricably linked to the innovation emanating from its 270 colleges and universities and the intellectual potential of its nearly 850,000 college students. Two, six states can do more together than one can do alone. And three, higher education is still the future of New England.

Today, each New England state is represented on the New England Board of Higher Education by eight delegates-leaders of education, business and government who are appointed by their states' governors and legislative leadership. They are supported by a staff of dedicated professionals who work closely with public and private partners throughout the six-state region.

NEBHE Programs

Access and Affordability ...

NEBHE's Regional Student Program (RSP) provides New England residents with major tuition savings at out-of-state public colleges and universities in New England. Established in 1957, the RSP is available to students who pursue specialized degree programs not offered by their home-state public institutions. In academic year 2003-2004, the RSP saved more than 8,000 New Englanders $39 million in tuition!

The RSP also saves New England's taxpayers millions of dollars because the states don't have to start up and maintain expensive academic programs that are already offered by their neighbors. The RSP is a common market for higher education.

Critical Analysis... Controversial Issues ...

Tomorrow's News ... Get the CONNECTION?

CONNECTION: THE JOURNAL OF THE NEW ENGLAND BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION is America's only regional magazine on higher education and economic development. Each quarter, CONNECTION offers expert analysis and hard-hitting commentaries on issues ranging from New England's changing demography to outdoor education programs, from federal student aid policy to campus architecture. A Boston newspaper called CONNECTION "the best vehicle in the region to follow new trends in business and the economy as they affect New England colleges and universities." A New Hampshire paper noted that "the magazine is packed with information."

CONNECTION'S ANNUAL DIRECTORY OF NEW ENGLAND COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES provides vital information on each of New England's nearly 270 colleges and universities, including data on enrollment, endowment, tuition, fees and room and board charges as well as names and titles of thousands of campus administrators.

CONNECTION subscribers also receive CONNECTION'S CAMPUS NEWSLINK-an email news digest featuring the latest news, events and comings and goings from New England's 270 college campuses.

Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

The fastest-growing segments of New England's job market require skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Yet many of the region's fastest-growing populations have been severely underrepresented in these fields. NEBHE's Excellence Through Diversity (ETD) program aims to create a regional environment that supports the full participation of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in STEM disciplines in academia and industry-particularly African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Southeast Asians. ETD's Annual Science Network program, co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, brings together hundreds of high school, undergraduate and graduate students interested in STEM disciplines to meet with academic and industry professionals for a day of networking and information sharing.

ETD provides professional development opportunities for graduate students in STEM disciplines and an online information clearinghouse featuring STEM resources. ETD also is engaged in a Congressionally funded research study examining key issues related to underrepresented populations in STEM disciplines and careers.

More Programs

NEBHE's Policy and Research programs provide vital data and analysis of higher education trends, convene opinion leaders and practitioners to share best practices and forge strategies to address New England's higher education challenges.

NEBHE's Professional Development programs provide cutting-edge curriculum and professional development for community college faculty in collaboration with secondary school teachers and college and university faculty. Programs focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.