Member Matters April 2026

A Monthly Lookback at Some of the Good Work in the CAEL Membership Community

Accelerating Adult Learning

Lorain County Community College is one of eight community colleges partnering with the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement and WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility to support adult learner success through the creation of rewarding education-employment pathways (Lorain County Community College). It is also complementing its no-cost high school completion programs with concurrent industry-recognized credential courses (The Morning Journal).

The Louisiana Board of Regents has approved a 90-hour accelerated bachelor’s degree classification covering workforce-oriented degrees at LSU Alexandria. Curricula were developed via collaboration among faculty and industry partners (Louisiana Board of Regents).

Winston-Salem State University is participating in Project Kitty Hawk, a University of North Carolina System initiative, as it launches a selection of 100% online bachelor’s degree programs (Winston-Salem State University).

South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Child Development Center is doubling as a vital student parent resource and host of experiential learning opportunities (South Texas College).

Adult Learner Enrollment Trends and Motivations

According to the results of a survey Eastern Washington University released, 18% of U.S. adults plan to return to school within a year. Increasing earnings was the top motivator (64%), with fears about AI-driven job insecurity ranking as well, at 21%. For 70% of respondents, employer support such as flexible scheduling and tuition support would make their enrollment more likely (Eastern Washington University).

CollegeApp announced a major expansion of its adult learner database, which spans more than 63 million adult learners with intent to enroll (CollegeApp)

Educator-Employer Partnerships

Indiana State University is partnering with WorkOne, operated by the Western Indiana Workforce Development Board as part of the American Job Centers network, on helping workers obtain industry-recognized credentials in early childhood education (Indiana State University).

Supported by funding from the Lowe’s Foundation, Texas State Technical College has cut the ribbon on its Construction Technologies Center, which is seen as a counter to siloed perceptions that disregard the value of credentials in the trades (Texas State Technical College).

Fletcher Technical Community College is teaming up with Venture Global to extend complimentary CDL training to area residents. The effort falls under Venture Global’s Will to Skill initiative to bolster access to industry-recognized credentials and career opportunities (Fletcher Technical Community College).

Adams State University is one of 16 colleges and universities chosen for inclusion in Lumina Foundation’s national initiative From Campus to Career. Adams State will use the opportunity to strengthen links between learning and work, including enhanced employer partnerships, internships, and skills mapping (Adams State University).

Effective collaboration around program design, expanded training, and education-employment pathways is drawing praise for Delgado Community College and Central Louisiana Technical Community College from Louisiana employers (The Advocate).

Under a new partnership between New Jersey City University and The BLOC Foundation, the university will host an on-campus workforce training hub that will serve as a seamless entry point to degree programs while offering short-term industry-recognized credentials and wraparound support (NJBIZ).

Credit for Prior Learning and Alternative Credentialing

Penn State reported that in the past year, students received CPL via portfolio and exam for 152 courses (Penn State).

University of Phoenix announced that it had issued its one-millionth digital badge. The university, which issued its first digital badge in 2021, offers more than 170 today (University of Phoenix).

The University of Cincinnati also recently highlighted the impact of badges, which are offering students learning experiences that are “fast and tailored” rather than “one size fits all” (University of Cincinnati).

In Service of Veterans

Appalachian State University has, for the 17th straight year, been designated a Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY, earning the “gold” designation (Appalachian State University).

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville also earned a gold ranking as a Military Friendly school (University of Tennessee, Knoxville).

Institutional Milestones and Other Recognition

Parkland College is celebrating 60 years in its dual mission of preparing students for immediate success in the workforce or as a transfer to a four-year university (WAND).

The Technical College System of Georgia announced the honorees of its 2026 Adult Education Student and Teacher of the Year awards (Technical College System of Georgia).

Raritan Valley Community College shared an adult learner success story about a student parent who has returned to school to complete a nursing degree (Raritan Valley Community College).