What is CPI?

Xavier is one of 24 HBCU’s receiving a UNCF® Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) implementation grant to increase the number of students who transition to meaningful jobs in their chosen fields after graduation. This program is made possible through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and is a unique program designed to helping enhance career readiness campus wide. 

CPI is designed to strengthen placement outcomes by encouraging participating institution to enhance what their students gain from the liberal arts— critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective oral and written communication skills, diverse and global perspectives, among other things—with specific preparation, training and experiences they need to be employable and successful early in their chosen careers. The CPI is based on the premise that students prepared for the world of work and life benefit from both their liberal arts experience and intentional workforce preparation.

As part of CPI, we have developed a range of academic programs, student internships, industry partnerships, and faculty development as we develop a new model for career readiness using the UNCF’s three priority strategies: 

As part of CPI, we have developed a range of academic programs, student internships, industry partnerships, and faculty development as we develop a new model for career readiness using the UNCF’s three priority strategies: 

• Guided Pathways—Placing student success at the center of institutional operations by engaging students in their learning journey and ensuring that they get on, stay on, and graduate from an academic pathway that facilitates personal and professional growth.
• Curricular Enhancements—A collaborative redesign of current curricula to streamline course and program offerings and embed 21st century competencies in students’ learning outcomes.
• Integrated Co-Curricular Engagement—Integration of co-curricular activities to create a more robust student experience that increases students’ awareness, exposure and skills development.

Today’s economy demands not only a college education, but also a high level of preparation for careers. Xavier is committed to preparing students for a life of service and success!