Institutions need to do a better job of giving students access to social capital, according to Kimberly Underwood, Ph.D., University research chair, University of Phoenix.

WorkingNation sat down with Underwood at Presented by JFF Horizons – See Beyond 2022 in New Orleans.

Underwood says University of Phoenix is collaborating with JFF on research. “We’re really looking at the value of social capital. And first and foremost, defining social capital and then the value of social capital for students of color – specifically, for Black students of color.”

“In thinking about social capital, what are those needs? What are those skills? What are those elements that help a person coming into higher education and making it into the workplace? What’s needed besides content and besides the classes? What are those additional elements and those soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace and to get into the workplace?” asks Underwood.

Learn more about University of Phoenix.