Earlier this month, Empire State University announced that, with funding from ECMC Foundation and in collaboration with Ithaka S+R, Buffalo State University, and SUNY Fredonia, it is undertaking a new project to analyze, pilot, and evaluate affordable course material models.

Ithaka S+R is excited to be part of this important work and continue our research on open educational resources. Beyond making college more affordable, low- and no-cost course materials can help address institutional goals beyond affordability, such as advancing inclusivity, access, and instructional innovation. This grant will give us the opportunity to document how course affordability programs are working in practice and understand the supports they need to thrive. This research will help us pilot and scale new initiatives at all three campuses, with the opportunity to introduce new models in the SUNY system and beyond.