Foundation for California Community Colleges’ Post

New blog alert! 💻 Our latest blog explores 3 ways administrators are transforming colleges and universities to reshape campus climate, policies, and engagement for the future.

Here are four key opportunities for how community colleges can embrace a new framework to support workforce development and cultivate trust from Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, the seventh President of Forsyth Technical Community College.

Most state and local leaders are rightly focused on building robust economies and establishing the right conditions to attract employers. But what happens when a state’s aging population, declining birth rate, and hundreds of thousands of job openings threaten to derail those efforts? That’s where an innovative higher education sector comes in. In my latest piece in Forbes, I detail how Michigan reimagined their education-to-workforce pipeline by prioritizing and engaging learners 25+, and how their work can serve as a blueprint for others facing the same challenges in 2024. https://lnkd.in/e_d5z4ji

📘 **Big Three Takeaways from '13 Ideas That Are Transforming the Community College World': Chapter 8 - 'The Evolving Mission of Workforce Development in Community Colleges' by James Jacobs and Jennifer Worth** Chapter 8 provides an insightful look into the evolving mission of workforce development in community colleges, a topic resonating with my current focus on continuing education and training programs in the Pacific Northwest. **1. Workforce Development: Adaptation and Responsiveness** Jacobs and Worth discuss how community colleges have shifted toward a workforce-focused mission. The emphasis on providing relevant occupational education and training to a diverse workforce is particularly pertinent. As someone involved in this field, I recognize the importance of curricula driven by local industry needs, blending work-based and classroom learning. **2. Bridging Credit and Non-Credit Education** The chapter highlights the importance of aligning credit and non-credit programs to offer students flexible, job-specific pathways for skill development. This approach is crucial for meeting changing industry demands and student career goals, something I've observed in the Pacific Northwest's educational landscape. **3. Future Trends in Workforce Development** Jacobs and Worth identify key trends that will impact community colleges, such as rising skill demands and the diversification of student populations. These insights are vital for institutions in the Pacific Northwest as we prepare to address the evolving needs of our communities and workforce. **Reflection** This chapter underscores the crucial role of community colleges in workforce development, a theme that is incredibly relevant in my work. The post-pandemic challenges of aligning diverse programs and responding to new skill demands highlight the need for ongoing innovation and adaptation in community colleges, especially in regions like the Pacific Northwest. #CommunityColleges #WorkforceDevelopment #JamesJacobs #JenniferWorth #ContinuingEducation #TrainingPrograms #EducationalInnovation #StudentSuccess #PacificNorthwest #TheClarkCommunique

In today’s fast-paced world, the secret to thriving industries lies at the crossroads of innovation and education. 🔍 Take a closer look: the recent groundbreaking by Northern Arizona University on the Mesa Workforce Development Center is a game-changer. Why? It's not just about building another educational facility; it's forging a direct link between academic preparation and real-world industry needs – particularly in hospitality, a cornerstone of Arizona's economy. The projected outcomes speak volumes: over 300 enrolled majors, more than 260 degrees awarded, and close to 5,000 certificates to be issued by 2028. This initiative isn't just creating pathways for students; it's laying down the tracks for a stronger, more resilient economy by directly responding to workforce demands. Let this serve as a reminder: The key to sustainable economic growth is embracing educational initiatives that align closely with industry needs. Let’s champion endeavors that bridge gaps between academia and industry for prosperous communities. #EducationMeetsIndustry #EconomicGrowth #WorkforceDevelopment 🎓💼

Our higher education system must evolve to continue delivering on the promise of providing social and economic mobility. Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University, believes three partners can drive this change: 1. Higher Ed: Innovate to enhance affordability, value, and student support. 2. Employers: Reward skills and other learning, and invest in employee development. 3. Policymakers: Demand accountability for colleges to ensure successful student outcomes. As we celebrate the value of higher education, we must work harder to get students across the finish line. Forbes has more. https://lnkd.in/ebBtxf4J

Higher education is evolving to blur boundaries and welcome a broader set of people (dare I say, customers?) both on campus and online to create more diverse communities and unlock new revenue streams. A college or university might once have only been students, faculty, and staff. No longer. Now there are partners, affiliates, residents, lifelong learners, alumni, and more. Here are some inspiring examples I've come across recently! 📚 Courses Across Campuses: The Big Ten Academic Alliance lets students explore courses across multiple universities through their CourseShare program, sharing resources and expanding horizons. ➡ Seamless Transitions: George Mason & Northern Virginia CC's ADVANCE program makes transferring smooth and enables NOVA’s students to feel like part of the Mason community even before they transfer. 🏢 Connecting Companies: NC State's Centennial Campus bridges the gap between academia and industry, offering corporate partners access to facilities like libraries and fitness centers while fostering collaboration. 🧓 Lifelong Learning Hub: Arizona State's Mirabella Senior Living Facility creates a vibrant campus community where seniors can access educational resources and attend programs. 🏅Alumni Stay Connected: The Alumni Learning Consortium offers shared professional development opportunities across participating colleges and universities, keeping alumni engaged and strengthening university ties. 🚀 These are just a few ways universities are thinking outside the box to increase accessibility by attracting people from diverse backgrounds and life stages, enhance their value by offering unique experiences and learning opportunities, and boost revenue by generating income through partnerships and shared resources. #highered #studentsuccess #P3 #publicprivatepartnerships #seniorliving #universitypartnerships #transferstudents #alumni #lifelonglearning P.S. Share your own examples of boundary-blurring initiatives in the comments!

Happy #CommunityCollege Month! It's crucial to recognize that our approach to education requires not just reform but a transformative leap forward. The recent insights from Jobs for the Future (JFF) underscore the urgency of dismantling outdated silos and embracing a new educational paradigm. 💡 Embrace Adaptive Challenges: Unlike technical issues solved by known methods, adaptive challenges in education demand innovative thinking and willingness to change. We have to move from compliance to genuine agility, ensuring educational models are as dynamic as the world around us. 💡 Focus on Continuous Learning: The future belongs to those who learn, unlearn, and relearn. We have to foster a mindset where ongoing education parallels lifelong career trajectories, supported by models like competency-based education that prioritize skills over time spent in a classroom. https://lnkd.in/gsC7esxA

Is higher education really fit for purpose?

🌟 Celebrating Positive Change in Higher Education! 🌈🌿 Just wrapped up some college visits with my oldest, and I'm beyond inspired by the shifts I've witnessed in the education landscape! Thank you to all my higher ed friends and colleagues who are making an incredible difference for our young adults and the way they BECOME in the world! It gives me so much hope! 🎓 Here are two key takeaways that left me optimistic and energized: 1. Embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Acceptance, and Belonging: It's not just a department anymore; it's ingrained in the very fabric of these institutions. DEI isn't a talking point; it's a celebration of differences, an acceptance that resonates across campus life. Thrilled to see colleges fostering an environment where every voice is not only heard but valued. 🌐💙 2. Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness: From green technology projects to nature preserves, colleges are not just teaching about environmental responsibility; they're living it! 🌿♻️ The dedication to sustainability is evident in every corner – from eco-friendly initiatives on- and off-campus to classes that instill a love for our environment. It's not an issue; it's an integral part of life. 🌍💚 These shifts give me hope for the future – a future where acceptance and environmental consciousness are not just ideals but woven into the very essence of the educational (and life) journey. 🚀✨ What positive changes have you observed in the education landscape lately? What's going on with our young adults that gives you hope? Let's keep the conversation going! 👇 #HigherEd #DEI #sustainability