At the nexus of education, workforce, and economic development
This is the reality of today’s funding structure for community colleges. By designing degree programs with multiple “on-off” ramps and stackable certificates, colleges not only give students the flexibility to work in the field while building technical skills, they also help employers understand the long-term value for workers and the institution to complete credentials. “ByContinue reading How Colleges Can Shrink the Gap
Secondary and post-secondary CTE programs must be designed in partnership with local and regional industry partners. This article illustrates the importance of building innovative and flexible models that can change as workplace skill demands evolve with technology. Partnerships Lead to Student Success Bryan D. Albrecht | President and Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Technical College “…ToContinue reading Industry-Education Partnerships: Core of CTE Programs
Career Pathways programs, particularly those in community colleges, depend on strong wrap-around services and support for individuals as they gain new skills and transition to higher-wage jobs. This Executive Order does far more than add work requirements for those struggling to make ends meet. It also reduces or eliminates access for workers to gain neededContinue reading Losing Wrap-Around Support
Too many community colleges are shifting resources to focus primarily on either transfer or CTE programs. This article from Inside Higher Ed makes the important point that so many of tomorrow’s career paths require access to both technical training and advanced post-secondary skills.Continue reading Balancing CTE and Transfer to Create Pathways
Did you ever stay somewhere on vacation that seemed out of date or needed repairs? My husband and I spent a long weekend at the beach recently, enjoying the alternating stormy waves and sunny calm that characterize winters on the Oregon coast. The view from our 3rd floor condo was spectacular; inside however, theContinue reading Renovating Career Pathways
Over the holidays, I spent time talking with my friend Tracy about her son and daughter and about the career and educational challenges they now faced as they made their way from adolescence to young adulthood. She asked, “Can you help them figure out a career pathway?” Of course, I’m always happy to share myContinue reading Build Your Own Career Pathway
This week I attended the first of a 3-part workshop series on “Leveraging the Power of LinkedIn,” sponsored by my local Small Business Development Center. As I reflected on the key concepts presented, it occurred to me that these ideas have direct relevance with how community colleges and workforce development organizations are designing, developing, andContinue reading Linking In to Career Pathways
