To address the growing shortage of qualified professionals in information technology and cybersecurity, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) partnered with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) to create the BlueSky Tennessee Institute. This groundbreaking initiative offers students a 27-month accelerated pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in computing with a concentration in information systems, while gaining hands-on experience through internships and real-world business projects at BCBST’s headquarters. Designed to attract students, particularly from underserved communities, the program provides scholarships and financial aid, making it accessible at little to no cost. Upon graduation, students receive a guaranteed job offer at BCBST. 

The impact of this innovative partnership has been immediate and significant. Enrollment in the first cohort exceeded expectations, nearly doubling the projected number of students. By aligning industry needs with academic training, ETSU and BCBST have created a scalable model for workforce development, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in high-demand fields. Beyond addressing labor shortages, the BlueSky Institute...

'Parenting students' (or students with children) can face financial and basic needs insecurity, which jeopardize their academic success.

To address these challenges, the Parenting Students Project (PSP), a pilot initiative by Austin Community College District and United Way for Greater Austin, provides participating students with a $500 monthly stipend, peer support meetings, and academic resources.

A mixed-methods evaluation by Trellis Strategies found that the PSP had a substantial positive impact on student retention, financial stability, and sense of community. PSP participants were significantly more likely to stay enrolled, experienced reduced reliance on student loans, and benefited from a strong peer network that fostered confidence and mental well-being.

Findings show that 88% of PSP participants remained enrolled or graduated, compared to 54% of non-participating parenting students. The stipend allowed students to reduce work hours, purchase reliable transportation, and focus more on their studies. Monthly peer meetings also provided essential social support, reinforcing a sense of belonging and motivation.

Many students credited PSP with helping them persist in their...

The University of Limerick has launched the Bachelor of Arts (BA) International Advanced Access programme, an academic pathway designed to provide North American community college students with an accelerated route to earning a bachelor's degree in Ireland.

This initiative allows students who have completed a two-year associate’s degree to transfer directly into the third year of UL’s BA program, enabling them to graduate in just two additional years instead of the traditional three. By shortening the timeline, the program offers students an opportunity to gain international experience while fast-tracking their degree completion.

The program is structured to provide an easy transition for students, ensuring clarity in how their associate degree qualifications map onto UL’s curriculum. With tuition costs comparable to in-state fees at prestigious U.S. institutions, the program offers affordability alongside a cultural and academic experience in an English-speaking European country. Find out more about the program on the University of Limerick's website.

The 2025 S-STEM Scholars Meeting is calling for exhibitors to join this exciting event in October! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with over 1,000 students from diverse STEM disciplines. Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their work, network with emerging scholars, and make a lasting impact on the future of STEM education.

To secure a spot, complete the interest form by May 31.

For more details on exhibiting, including opportunities and benefits, check out the exhibitor prospectus. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of an impactful gathering!

The League for Innovation in the Community College is excited to announce the 2025 Innovations Conference, taking place from March 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. Hosted by Alamo Colleges District, this 28th annual event is the premier gathering for community college professionals focused on enhancing teaching, leadership, and student success.

The conference features keynote speakers, over 100 breakout sessions, and a Solutions Center showcasing the latest in higher education products and services. This international conference is a unique opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and explore programs shaping the future of community colleges.

Find out more and register on the League's website.

A new video from the Centre for the New Economy and Society (CNES) highlights the growing challenge of skills gaps as a barrier to business transformation. The CNES 2025 Future of Jobs Report reveals how evolving skills demands are slowing industry progress and creating pressures for both workers and employers.

The video, from the World Economic Forum, explores how skills shortages are reshaping industries, the new roles emerging, and the fastest-growing job sectors. It offers insights for workers on how to adapt and succeed in this rapidly changing landscape.

Watch the full video on the World Economic Forum to understand how skills gaps are transforming careers globally.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released the first-ever data from the National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey (NTEWS) Pilot, focusing on the skilled technical workforce. This new, nationally representative survey sheds light on individuals in technical occupations that require specialized knowledge and skills, but not a bachelor’s degree. The data highlights work-related credentials such as vocational certificates, occupational licenses, and industry-recognized certifications, and explores their impact on employment outcomes.

The survey, which covers individuals aged 16 to 75 and excludes high school students, aims to expand understanding of the U.S. workforce. The data tables from the 2022 pilot are marked as experimental, offering valuable insights while informing future data collection efforts. However, users are encouraged to consider potential limitations in the quality of these preliminary statistics.

Explore the data tables on the NSF Website.

The expansion of digital access is revolutionizing the global labor market, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. The new report highlights that emerging technologies, particularly AI, robotics, automation, and energy innovations, are driving significant job growth in specialized fields. Big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI and machine learning experts are among the fastest-growing roles projected by 2030, as 86% of surveyed executives expect AI to transform their businesses. Concurrently, roles in clerical and administrative support are declining rapidly, reflecting a shift in workforce demands.

Sustainability and green technologies are also shaping the future, with autonomous and electric vehicle specialists and renewable energy engineers ranking among the top 15 emerging professions. The report, based on a survey of over 1,000 global companies representing 14 million workers, underscores how digital access and technological advancements are reshaping industries and skills. 

The latest issue of the American Association of Community Colleges's (AACC) Digital Community College Journal December 2024/January 2025 edition is now available, offering insights for community college professionals, educators, and workforce development leaders. This issue covers:

• Digital Portfolios: Their potential for students and employers and the challenges slowing widespread adoption.
• Liberal Arts and Workforce Readiness: The vital connection between well-rounded education and career preparation.
• Corporate Colleges: How these institutions are transforming workforce development.

Stay informed on the latest trends shaping community colleges. The full digital issue can be found on the AACC website. Previous archives of the journal can also be found on the AACC website. 

Join the American Association of Community Colleges (AAACC) at WDI 2025: Uncharted Courses, an event for workforce and economic development professionals, taking place January 28-31, 2025, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California.

Hosted by the Workforce Development Institute, this year’s conference explores innovative strategies and partnerships that empower community colleges to lead in shaping the future of workforce education.

With an agenda featuring expert speakers, interactive sessions, and  networking opportunities, WDI 2025 is the perfect platform to navigate new challenges and chart bold paths forward. Don’t miss the chance to engage with thought leaders and peers in a transformative setting. Register now on the AACC website.