Intersect With Earl January 2026

by Earl Buford on Jan 27, 2026

Policy and political will for linking learning and work are steadily growing. One of the latest examples is the CTO Challenge, a federal funding effort to embrace a “national skills currency.” This evolving landscape is creating fertile ground for CAEL to scale our longstanding mission to drive economic mobility by ensuring that all learning counts. We welcome the many new voices that are joining the conversation in the realization that credit for prior learning isn’t just about past learning, it’s about future earning. In fact, CAEL recently announced a great venue for participating in that dialogue. Our next virtual convening will be held April 21-22. Keynote speaker Paul Fain’s presentation, fittingly titled “Blurring Lines Between Education and Work,” will showcase the perspective of a seasoned higher ed reporter on the effectiveness of programs designed for adult learners and how AI is impacting their ability to secure quality jobs. The convening will also focus on perennial challenges like enrollment and retention, the ROI of a credential, work-based learning, workforce Pell, and much more. CAEL member discounts and sponsorship opportunities are available. I hope to see you there!

Member mention: While AI is shaking things up in many ways, one ingredient to education and career success remains unquestionably crucial: credentials must be recognizably aligned with the latest workforce needs. Cynthia Krutsinger, the dean of online learning at Pikes Peak State College, a CAEL institutional member, incorporated her experience serving as a panelist at CAEL’s annual conference when reflecting on the challenges of navigating the AI revolution. She writes about her college’s participation in the AI Readiness Consortium, focused on aligning AI and learning outcomes and forging employer connections. But she also warns that amid AI acceleration, people expect colleges to develop curricula to support careers that don’t yet exist. This offers us another reminder that we need an integrated array of credentials that can stack into extended pathways that mean the difference between switching lanes and hitting a dead end.

Grant opportunity: Grants of up to $600,000 are available through the Education Design Lab Advancing Workforce Mobility initiative in partnership with Credential Engine and Walmart. This funding has similar goals to the CTO challenge noted above that aligns skills to jobs, but is available to regions and all nonprofits, and not just state governors. U.S.-based nonprofits and governmental organizations are eligible for awards ranging from up to $250,000 to $600,000. In addition to the financial support, grantees will receive technical assistance and inclusion within a community of practice. If you’re curious about how CAEL might partner on your application, please contact MelissaKaye Sheokski.