How Community Colleges Are Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Event Details
When
April 16, 2024
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
With big federal investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy creating a surge of good-paying jobs for workers, community colleges and employers are forging innovative partnerships to train the workforce for these opportunities. On April 16, 2024, Third Way hosted a conversation unpacking how community colleges are building tomorrow’s workforce. The event was in collaboration with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the Congressional Community College Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Joe Courtney (D-CT).
Following welcome remarks from Congressman Bilirakis, Third Way’s Curran McSwigan (Senior Economic Policy Advisor) facilitated a panel discussion delving into how community colleges are fostering relationships with local employers to meet both student and industry needs. Curran was joined by three panelists—Dr. Jesse Pisors (President, Pasco-Hernando State College), Kinsey Walker (Program Analyst, Appalachian Regional Commission), and Minah Woo (Vice President of Workforce, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships, Howard Community College).
The panelists provided unique perspectives and examples of how community colleges are innovating to support shifting workforce demands and prepare students for strong career outcomes. They also provided insights on how the 118th Congress can better uplift partnerships between community colleges and local employers, like increasing funding for these efforts, bolstering recognition for community colleges, and improving student financial aid processes to ensure access to community college programs. Watch the full recording, courtesy of ACCT, here.