Innovations Conference 2022

Now in its 24th year, the 2022 Innovations Conference welcomes a plethora of academic experts and thought leaders to present on core issues facing today’s community college learners. It’s hosted by the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate innovation in the community college environment. Participants can expect to be inspired through thoughtful panel discussions on topics such as: What does the future of education look like? How do we bridge the gap between learning and work? And so much more!

Tune in on Wednesday, March 2, 10:15-11 a.m. MT, for a special panel discussion, “Career by Design: Building a Future-Ready Workforce,” co-presented by Jobs for the Future’s Brianne McDonough, associate director of career and learning pathways. She’ll be joined by two leaders of Lorain County Community College in Ohio: Marisa Vernon, vice president of enrollment management and student services, and Tracy Green, vice president of strategic and institutional development.

About the session:

Dramatic economic shifts are driving a growing need for learners and employers to be able to respond rapidly to change, from pivoting careers to finding new talent for in-demand jobs. Community colleges also face challenges in responding to changing times while ensuring that the credentials they offer have value in the labor market and pathways that allow for continued skill development across a career. Presenters will discuss their successes with two innovative workforce approaches: short-term credentialing and earn-and-learn models under a new framework. Participants will engage via polls and chat to learn from others how these approaches are being implemented and the challenges faced. Participants will also learn about a new framework evolving out of guided pathways to embed in-demand jobs and career paths in a post-pandemic economy. Jobs for the Future’s Guided Career Pathways helps colleges to build programs that lead to improved employment outcomes for students and meet employer needs.