--- title: Intersect With Earl January 2024 description: A selection of industry-relevant headlines about the intersection of learning and work. --- [CAEL Pathways Blog ](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog) # [Intersect With Earl January 2024](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog/intersect-with-earl-january-2024) Written by [Earl Buford](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog/author/earl-buford) | Jan 31, 2024 The faster the education and employment landscape changes, the greater value strategic partnerships offer in helping learners and workers keep their footing. This is evident in [**Great Lakes ReNEW**](http://greatlakesrenew.org/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi), a six-state, 10-year, grant funded collaboration comprised of CAEL and several other partners. The project focuses on innovative resource recovery, a priority that demands a skilled water-tech talent pipeline. As a career pathways development partner to the Great Lakes ReNEW, CAEL will foster continual alignment among workforce development organizations, educators, and trainers. It will also engage local and regional employers to support their efforts to hire, retain, and advance workers, especially those most affected by joblessness and systemic barriers. The need for strategic partnerships only grows at the broader level of the overall tech workforce, which is at the epicenter of an **AI revolution** that is reverberating well beyond it. In a move to help workers and learners access AI-related education, including experiential workshops and career and technical education, Microsoft[ recently announced](https://news.microsoft.com/2023/12/11/afl-cio-and-microsoft-announce-new-tech-labor-partnership-on-ai-and-the-future-of-the-workforce/news.microsoft.com/2023/12/11/afl-cio-and-microsoft-announce-new-tech-labor-partnership-on-ai-and-the-future-of-the-workforce/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) a sweeping partnership with the AFL-CIO dedicated to “AI and the future of the workforce.” Thanks to our own [strategic partnership](https://www.cael.org/resources/newsroom/cael-announces-partnership-to-operate-the-graduate-network?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) with The Graduate! Network, the CAEL community has access to new data-informed resources for supporting adult learners and workers, including [Bridging The Talent Gap](https://www.cael.org/bttg?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi). My colleagues [Doug Heckman](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/doug-heckman?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) and [Bridgett Strickler](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/bridgett-strickler?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi), along with partners from One Acadiana and MacLaff Inc., recently presented a [case study](https://www.cael.org/hubfs/031-23%20TGNatCAEL%20BTTG%20Case%20Study%20(1).pdf?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) on Bridging The Talent Gap at, appropriately enough, the [Talent Hubs Annual Convening](https://talenthubs.org/archive-convening2023/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) in Mobile, Alabama. The event is one of the largest devoted to local, regional, and state-level cross-sector partnerships and is attended by leaders and practitioners from higher education, philanthropy, workforce agencies, economic development, government, and more. Also in Alabama, the [**Talent Triad**](https://aldailynews.com/alabama-launches-talent-triad-wins-1-4m-workforce-grant/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi), a new statewide learning ecosystem, is yet another example that strategic partnerships are the future for serving adult learners and workers. The Talent Triad engages education and training providers, students, employers, and employees through a skills-based portal that connects jobseekers with open positions. The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 promises to bolster U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, improving not only our supply chain but national security. But [as we’ve noted](https://evolllution.com/programming/applied-and-experiential-learning/why-adult-learners-are-the-supply-chains-ultimate-renewable-resource?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi), the immense upside of its job creation will only be fully realized if we have the workers to fill them. A [**new report from the Brookings Institution**](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-federal-state-and-local-leaders-can-leverage-the-chips-and-science-act-as-a-landmark-workforce-opportunity/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) outlines what it calls “the underdiscussed and sometimes indistinct workforce programs included in the CHIPS and Science Act.” **Grant opportunity:** The Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants (SPECA) program “seeks to: (a) promote and strengthen secondary education and two-year postsecondary education in the food and agriculture sciences in order to help ensure the existence of a workforce in the United States that's qualified to serve the food and agriculture sciences system; and (b) promote complementary and synergistic linkages among secondary, two-year postsecondary, and higher education programs in the food and agriculture sciences in order to advance excellence in education and encourage more young Americans to pursue and complete a baccalaureate or higher degree in the food and agriculture sciences.” [Apply by March 8](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/secondary-education-two-year-postsecondary-education-agriculture-k-12?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi). CAEL member mention: Congratulations to our fellow Strada Collaborative member InsideTrack for the great success of its [California Reconnect](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-statewide-campaign-in-california-helps-adult-learners-return-to-higher-education-at-4x-national-re-enrollment-rate-302012431.html?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) pilot phase, which helped seven campuses, including CAEL member Mesa College, collectively outperform national renrollment rates by a factor of four. Interested in learning more about CAEL memberships? Please [visit us](https://www.cael.org/membership?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8v1Mv3ZpbQUyIgQdDql8J4Xkyxa9P_rOsFP474VyyYsxjwhRG_v4Sq2B6nEYmq37ifSwxp), and always feel free to contact us with questions or comments on any topic at [cael@cael.org](mailto:cael@cael.org). ## Additional Reading [Strada Education Foundation grant helps education-employment partnership flourish](https://stradaeducation.org/adult-learners/community-college-biotech-companies-partner-to-prepare-students-for-careers/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [WorkingNation founder and president discuss the future of work](https://workingnation.com/navigating-the-changing-job-market-ai-upskilling-lifelong-learning-purposeful-work-and-equitable-access-to-workforce-resources/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Intermediary-led training model ‘very bright spot’ in workforce development](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/can-workplace-development-help-us-reach-full-employment/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Free construction and trades training open to all residents of California's Tri-County area](https://www.prlog.org/13000872-exciting-new-pre-apprenticeship-tri-county-program-for-construction-and-trades-careers.html?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) ['Soft' skills debate playing role in higher ed funding in Iowa](https://www.thegazette.com/higher-education/iowa-legislative-leader-eyes-broad-higher-ed-review-this-session/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [A look back on edtech predictions for 2023](https://www.ecampusnews.com/digital-innovation/2023/12/29/edtech-impact-higher-education-2023/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Thinking outside the classroom walls: the case for work-based learning](https://www.news-press.com/story/opinion/2023/12/17/embracing-work-based-learning-as-a-talent-pipeline/71910246007/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [New Hampshire recruits first responders with education benefits](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/18/metro/new-1-million-tuition-reimbursement-program-first-responders/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Ohio awards $40M to 81 colleges and universities to help meet workforce needs](https://www.marionstar.com/story/news/local/2023/12/22/marion-tech-tri-rivers-awarded-workforce-development-grant-super-rapids-ohio/71974029007/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development allocates close to $4M toward workforce programs](https://www.redlakenationnews.com/story/2024/01/05/news/deed-awards-nearly-4-million-for-local-workforce-development-programs/119337.html?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [22 finalists seek nearly $800 million in funding under Distressed Area Recompete pilot program](https://www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2023/12/20/biden-harris-administration-announces-22-recompete-pilot-program?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Portability of apprenticeships are worth the ‘risk to get the right person for each job’](https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/12/26/federal-state-funding-boost-oakland-co-apprentice-opportunities/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Technical school graduates increase for first time in a decade](https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2023/12/19/techforce-amount-of-students-graduating-from-tech-schools-is-increasing/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Workforce development funding brings K-12 tourism and hospitality to every county in West Virginia](https://wvmetronews.com/2024/01/02/5-million-eda-grant-helping-to-expand-workforce-development-across-west-virginias-tourism-industry/?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi) [Only you — and workforce development — can prevent forest fires](https://www.lakeconews.com/news/regional/77408-cal-fire-awards-15-million-in-businesses-and-workforce-development-grants?utm_campaign=1CAEL%20Lead%20Gen&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9m-1v36cqtXOOuzPw4D7va3OSZMI6zYiXWWyVuzJKRIVNMdaQcc7WQceuJ0T4u1wsLGRUi)     [View full post](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog/intersect-with-earl-january-2024) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Earl Buford" }, "dateModified" : "2024-02-05T13:15:03.590Z", "datePublished" : "2024-01-31T17:34:00Z", "headline" : "Intersect With Earl January 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