Gen Z students are reshaping higher education as they enroll at community colleges in record numbers. According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment rates are rising. This significant surge in enrollment marks a departure from the traditional four-year university route, with Gen Z opting for more affordable and practical alternatives.

One key driving force behind this trend is the rising cost of higher education. Gen Z students are mindful of the burden of student loans and are turning to community colleges for cost-effective options. These institutions offer career-oriented programs and hands-on training, appealing to the pragmatic and career-focused mindset of this generation.

Furthermore, community colleges provide flexibility and adaptability in their course offerings, accommodating the diverse needs of Gen Z learners. They offer part-time, online, and hybrid learning options, allowing students to balance education with work or family responsibilities. This transformative trend not only alters educational choices but also has implications for the future workforce, fostering a more diverse, skilled, and adaptable pool of...

The deadline for The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is approaching and NSF and AAAS are offering proposal preparation webinars. Interested candidates are encouraged to watch the webinars on the NOYCE website. Webinars include: 

• May 25, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT / Noyce Track 1: Scholarships & Stipends and Capacity Building
• June 1, 2:00-3:00 pm EDT / IUSE with focus on preservice teacher education
• June 6, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT / Noyce Track 2: Teaching Fellowships, Track 3: Master Teaching Fellowships, and Capacity Building
• June 7, 3:30-4:30 EDT / Noyce Research Experiences in STEM Settings
• June 8, 1:00-2:00 pm / Noyce Track 4: Research and Capacity Building

Established with the goal of addressing the critical shortage of highly qualified STEM teachers in schools across the country, the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in STEM disciplines, as well as professionals transitioning to teaching careers. By providing scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities, the program aims to attract and retain talented individuals who can inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. ...

The upcoming NICE Conference 2023, is set to take place in Seattle, Washington on June 5-7, 2023. The conference, organized by the National Innovation and Creativity Enterprise (NICE), is expected to attract an array of innovators, industry leaders, and thinkers from across the globe. From technology and healthcare to sustainability and entrepreneurship, the NICE Conference 2023 will delve into a wide range of topics, offering valuable insights and inspiring new perspectives.

One of the highly anticipated speakers at the conference is Dr. Elizabeth Kolmstetter, the Chief People Officer at Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). NICE will also feature engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops, providing a platform for attendees to actively participate and exchange ideas. These sessions encourage dialogue, foster collaborations, and nurture the spirit of innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow innovators, share their own insights, and forge connections.

Learn more about the conference's agenda and speakers on their website. Note that registration is now closed. 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on future topics for workforce development in emerging technology career pathways. The NSF Directorates for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) and STEM Education (EDU) are specifically seeking input from various stakeholders including non-profit organizations, philanthropies, industry, government agencies, educational institutions, and other communities of practice. The goal is to gather diverse perspectives on opportunities and challenges in creating flexible and seamless STEM pathways in emerging technological areas.

While this RFI does not invite research proposals or offer funding opportunities, the collected input will be used to inform and shape future NSF investments and programs. The NSF aims to address the need for a highly skilled domestic workforce capable of supporting innovation in critical and emerging technologies such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and more.

The RFI highlights the importance of increasing the representation of domestic students in STEM disciplines, particularly in fields leading to emerging technology...

A new article from the Associated Press dives into the benefits of attending community college and transferring to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college transfer students make up nearly half of all bachelor's degree earners.

The article highlights the cost savings of attending community college, as tuition is typically lower than at four-year universities. Additionally, students can complete their general education requirements in a smaller and more supportive environment, potentially leading to higher grades and a smoother transition to a four-year institution.

The article also notes that community college transfer students often perform as well as, or even better than, students who start at a four-year university. It encourages students to consider community college as a valuable option for their education and to take advantage of transfer agreements between community colleges and four-year universities.

However, as the article emphasizes, students should consider all options when pursuing higher education.

A new report outlines seven practices for building community and student belonging virtually. The report, published by the Chronicle of Higher Education by Ithaka S+R, offers strategies for educators to foster a sense of community and engagement among students in online learning environments.

The seven practices include: using technology to create opportunities for interaction and collaboration, establishing clear expectations for student participation, building in opportunities for student feedback, creating a sense of social presence, using empathy and understanding to connect with students, providing opportunities for students to connect with each other, and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

The report emphasizes the importance of building community and student belonging in online learning, as it can improve student engagement, retention, and academic success.

Building Inclusive Labs, from the UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development, focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and engineering labs in a series of upcoming workshops.

The workshops will cover topics such as creating inclusive lab cultures, addressing microaggressions and implicit bias, and building effective mentoring relationships. Led by experienced facilitators, the workshops aim to provide participants with actionable strategies for promoting inclusivity and advancing diversity in their labs.

The next workshop is called "Workplace Navigation Training: Utilizing an Interview to determine a 'Good Fit.'" The workshop will take place on Friday, April 21st, from 3-5pm PT and will be led by Naledi Saul, MPM, Director of the UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development.

Participants will learn strategies for using job interviews to determine if a potential internship or job opportunity is a good fit for their career and educational goals. The workshop will cover topics such as defining what a 'bad fit' or 'toxic work environment' is, clarifying personal goals before the interview, using questions to assess workplace alignment with...

A recent article in the American Sociological Association's Footnotes magazine delves into the real cost of education for students, families, and the nation. The article argues that while the price of college tuition has risen significantly in recent years, the true cost of education goes beyond just tuition fees.

Additional costs such as textbooks, housing, transportation, and food can significantly impact a student's ability to afford higher education. The article also highlights the long-term economic benefits of investing in education, stating that higher levels of education lead to increased earning potential and overall economic growth.

The article further examines the inequitable distribution of educational costs and benefits, with low-income and minority students facing more significant financial barriers to higher education. The authors argue that reducing the cost of education and increasing access to financial aid could help level the playing field and increase social mobility. They also emphasize the need for policymakers to invest in education as a means of promoting economic growth and reducing inequality.

Ultimately, the article calls for a comprehensive approach...

The Includes Network, a NSF nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, has launched a new podcast series. The series features conversations with thought leaders, activists, and experts who are working to create a more inclusive world.

The podcasts cover a wide range of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. Each episode provides listeners with insights and strategies for creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces.

In the first episode, host Dr. Elle Alison talks with Dr. Beverly Tatum, a renowned psychologist and author of the book "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?" They discuss the importance of racial identity development and how it relates to creating a more inclusive workplace.

In another episode, Dr. Alison speaks with disability rights activist Judy Heumann about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and how employers can create more accessible and inclusive environments.

Other guests include sociologist Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, who talks about the experiences of Black...

According to a recent study, stress is a key factor preventing students from enrolling in higher education. The study surveyed over 1,000 students who had considered attending college or university but ultimately chose not to enroll. Of those students, 75% cited stress as a major reason for their decision.

The study also found that financial concerns were a significant deterrent for many students, with 60% stating that the cost of tuition and fees was a major factor in their decision not to attend. Other factors included concerns about student debt, uncertainty about future career prospects, and the challenges of balancing work and school.

The authors of the study suggest that colleges and universities should take steps to address these concerns and make higher education more accessible to a wider range of students. This could include offering more flexible class schedules, providing financial assistance and counseling, and creating a more supportive and welcoming campus culture.

Overall, the study highlights the need for higher education institutions to better understand the needs and concerns of potential students, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible...