Six community colleges have been selected to participate in the Accelerator for Community Colleges in the Innovation Economy Work-based Learning Capacity Building Cohort. The initiative is a joint effort between New America and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), supported by the National Science Foundation.
The participating institutions will receive technical assistance and funding to help them scale work-based learning opportunities. The colleges included in the cohort are Santa Fe College, City Colleges of Chicago, Broome Community College at SUNY, West Valley College, Forsyth Community College, and East Central College.
The selection process focused on institutions that demonstrated a strong commitment to collaborating with both on-campus and off-campus stakeholders. These colleges were chosen for their ability to identify and address barriers to expanding work-based learning. The selection criteria also required proof of organizational capacity to complete a self-study process and implement resulting improvements.
New America and ACCT will provide cohort members with a specialized institutional self-study toolkit. This resource is designed to help college leaders evaluate and strengthen their strategies for scaling work-based learning. Based on the insights gained from this self-study, each college will develop a strategic plan to enhance the quality and accessibility of these educational opportunities.
Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships at the U.S. National Science Foundation, highlighted the role of community colleges in preparing talent for skilled trades and emerging technology sectors. He noted the importance of building capacity for apprenticeships and internships to meet current and future job demands.
College leaders from the participating institutions expressed pride in their selection. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, president of West Valley College, described the opportunity as an honor that reflects the college's dedication to student success and economic mobility. Jon Bauer, president of East Central College, stated that the selection validates the daily efforts of faculty, staff, and employer partners in preparing students for careers.