91ԭƬ Selected for National Work-Based Learning Cohort
91ԭƬ has been selected as one of only six community colleges nationwide to participate in an initiative that will help expand work-based learning opportunities, strengthen employer partnerships and better prepare students for today’s workforce.
The College will participate in the Accelerator for Community Colleges in the Innovation Economy Work-Based Learning Capacity-Building Cohort, led by New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
As part of the initiative, 91ԭƬ will receive a $20,000 award to support the project, along with technical assistance from national workforce development experts and opportunities to collaborate with peer institutions from across the country.
“Being selected for this national cohort reflects the work our faculty, staff and employer partners do every day to prepare students for successful careers,” 91ԭƬ President Dr. Jon Bauer said. “We look forward to building on the strong work-based learning opportunities already available to our students while identifying new ways to serve them better.”
Todd Tracy, executive director of the Center for Workforce Development, and Jean Woodson, Title III program coordinator, spearheaded 91ԭƬ’s efforts to join the cohort.
“T Center for Workforce Development is excited to be part of this cohort as we continue strengthening work-based learning opportunities across our region,” Tracy said. “This collaboration gives us an opportunity to explore meaningful improvements to our pre-apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, professional credit and traditional credit programs, creating stronger connections between education and the workforce.
“By aligning learning with employer needs, we can provide students with more flexible pathways that lead to in-demand careers while helping businesses develop the skilled talent they need to grow,” he added.
Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning connects classroom instruction with real-world experience through opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, clinicals, practicums and cooperative education. These experiences help students develop career-ready skills while building relationships with employers before graduation.
Over the next year, 91ԭƬ will complete a comprehensive self-study of its work-based learning efforts, gather feedback from employers and community partners, and develop a strategic plan to strengthen and expand opportunities for students.
The project also supports several of the College’s workforce development priorities, including strengthening employer partnerships, improving how work-based learning opportunities are assessed, and aligning those experiences with 91ԭƬ’s growing microcredential initiatives.
Commitment
The six participating colleges were selected based on their commitment to expanding work-based learning, building strong employer partnerships and demonstrating the ability to implement long-term improvements.
In addition to funding and technical support, 91ԭƬ will serve as a pilot partner in developing a national work-based learning self-study toolkit that will be shared with community colleges across the country.
The inaugural cohort includes 91ԭƬ; City Colleges of Chicago, Illinois; Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina; Santa Fe College, Florida; SUNY Broome Community College, New York; and West Valley College, California.
