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Project

Community College Workforce Consortium

May 30, 2024

At a Glance

The Community College Workforce Consortium is spearheaded by visionary leaders in higher education dedicated to driving economic advancement for students by addressing the workforce development needs of their communities.

Contributors

Jennifer Freeman Senior Director

Brianne McDonough Director

Sylvia Cini-Grenada Senior Program Manager

Scott Ralls Wake Technical Community College, President and CCWC Co-chair

Randall VanWagoner Mohawk Valley Community College, President and CCWC Co-chair

Practices & Centers

Education

Challenge

The workforce is evolving and many education and training programs are not equipping students with the new knowledge and skills they need fast enough to meet industry demand. Employers want to build a competitive workforce and need fast, effective learning options for current and potential employees. Students, including adult learners with family and work commitments, need learning opportunities that are convenient and accessible and offer the credentials and skills to advance in the workforce.

Approach

The Community College Workforce Consortium (CCWC) was founded by community college presidents working closely with employers to drive their local economies by supplying a strong pipeline of skilled talent. These leaders meet at least twice annually to learn, share, and collaborate on strategies for meeting workforce needs, such as expansion of work-based learning or strengthening employer partnerships. Jobs for the Future has supported CCWC since 2015 through organizing events, facilitating partnerships, and helping to shape the focus of the conversation.

Results

The CCWC consists of 24 colleges in 16 states developing strong partnerships with local industries and community organizations to better align educational offerings with workforce needs. Our members launch actionable workforce solutions, such as apprenticeships and stackable credentials, that provide practical, job-ready skills and meet the evolving challenges of their regional economic landscapes. Together, CCWC colleges tell a powerful story about how these workforce-aligned approaches improve outcomes, making this network a powerful advocate for public investment and policy change.

Learn more

The critical work of the Community College Workforce Consortium is made possible through member support.