The Coalition for Transformational Education is pleased to announce that Lehigh University has joined as its newest member, further strengthening the Coalition’s mission to promote innovative, student-centered learning across higher education. Lehigh joins through its flagship Lehigh360 initiative, a hub for high-impact, interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities that empower students to craft their personal narratives, identify pathways to impact, discover their “why” during their educational journey and create outcomes-focused portfolios highlighting their growth and achievements.
Lehigh360 was first conceived in 2018 as part of Lehigh’s Office of Creative Inquiry and has grown into a central catalyst for student engagement in high-impact opportunities. By connecting students with hands-on learning opportunities and ensuring equal access, including financial support for high-need students, the initiative seeks to cultivate a campus culture where each student can participate in life-changing programs. These opportunities range from internships and peer mentoring to study abroad programs and faculty-led projects.
Keith Buffinton, Executive Director of the Coalition for Transformational Education, celebrated the addition of Lehigh University: “We are thrilled to welcome Lehigh University into the Coalition. Their Lehigh360 initiative exemplifies the kind of student-centered programming that is core to the Coalition’s mission. Lehigh’s dedication to providing all students with meaningful, high-impact experiences directly aligns with our belief that every student should leave college equipped to navigate and succeed in a rapidly evolving world.”
In the past year and a half, Lehigh360 has implemented an online searchable database to streamline access to 40+ high-impact program opportunities – ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, major or advisor, is aware of and has equal access to the critical information about these transformational opportunities. The initiative also integrates with Lehigh’s NavigateLU program, which assigns first-year and transfer students a faculty or staff coach who helps them navigate their transition to Lehigh and guide them through the variety of learning opportunities available across campus.
Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble ’82 emphasized the university’s alignment with the Coalition’s mission, stating, “Our institution shares the Coalition’s commitment to fostering innovative, forward-thinking approaches to education that meet the changing needs of society and the workforce. Our strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, reflects this commitment and serves as a guiding framework for the transformational initiatives already underway at Lehigh, and those we hope to develop in the future with the Coalition’s support.”
Lehigh University’s membership in the Coalition for Transformational Education underscores both organizations’ shared goal of creating educational experiences that not only prepare students for successful careers, but also equip them with the tools to lead purposeful, impactful lives.
