Member Matters July 2026

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

Championing Adult Learners

Central Wyoming College has introduced the CWC Restart Award, aimed at helping new and returning adult learners ease into their studies. The initiative covers tuition and general fees for an initial course, “allowing adults to experience college without immediate financial risk and establish a GPA that may qualify them for scholarships the following year.” Students who successfully complete the first semester qualify for a second free class in the following term. (Central Wyoming College).

Herkimer College is offering free short-term courses designed to build workforce-relevant competencies and connections (Herkimer College).

Adult learners are “an important and growing part of campus life” at East Carolina University, which recently highlighted the support it offers returning adult learners through flexible, online programs, robust credit mobility, and more (WRAL).

Shortening Career, Education, and Training Pathways

State officials gathered at Schoolcraft College to celebrate Michigan’s College Credit for Apprenticeships Program, which features collaboration among colleges and trade unions and "enables past, current and future apprentices to earn college credit for their on-the-job training,” often reducing college seat time to one semester for participants seeking associate degrees (The Alpena News). Several CAEL members have joined the program, including:

• Glen Oaks Community College
• Mott Community College
• North Central Michigan College
• Oakland Community College
• Schoolcraft College

Following a study of accreditation standards, workforce alignment, affordability, transferability, and other policy considerations, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education has approved an institutional submission process for the consideration and potential approval of 90-hour bachelor’s degree programs, noting their potential to “provide distinct, expedited pathways for workforce preparation, bringing skilled graduates into the most crucial segments of our labor force faster” (Oklahoma State Regents).

The Good Business of Education Benefits

Bossier Parish Community College has been selected as an educational partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program. The partnership will provide Amazon workers access to the college’s one-semester career and technical certificate in industrial technician, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in electricity, fluid power, and mechanical systems (BPCC).

LaGuardia Community College and District Council 37 are partnering to deliver data analytics training to union members at no cost to workers. DC 37 is New York City’s largest municipal employee union, representing around 150,000 workers and 89,000 retirees across New York City in education, childcare, cultural institutions, parks, healthcare, municipal services, and other sectors (LaGuardia Community College).

Expanding Access and Economic Mobility

Highlighting the advantages in income and economic mobility HBCUs confer upon students, a case study details the anchoring role of Delaware State University in eHBCU, a “first-of-its-kind online learning consortium” that also included Alabama State University; Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Southern University at Shreveport; Southern University at New Orleans; and Pensole Lewis College. The model creates a single-application process that allows learners to access programs at multiple HBCUs, including degree programs and stackable credentials (McKinsey & Company).

Montgomery College celebrated the launch of its Collective Impact Institute, which brought together around 70 leaders representing diverse stakeholders in the cross-sector collaboration the initiative aims to accelerate (Montgomery College).

The renewal of the transfer agreement between National University and Dallas College also marks an expansion, with eligible Dallas College students who complete an associate degree or core transfer program receiving guaranteed admission to National University, where they can transfer up to 60 credits and are eligible for a tuition discount up to 25% (National University).

Tackling Talent Gaps

The newly formed National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) South Node has selected Austin Community College to its 10-state initiative. Within the network, ACC will offer its U-STARS semiconductor training program to university engineering and STEM students and lead the alliance’s earn-and-learn workforce development efforts (ACC).

Southwest Virginia Community College has received a $1.8 million grant through the Appalachian Regional Commission for the college’s Career Pathways for Advanced Manufacturing and Trade-Based Technicians project, informed through coordination with regional businesses and labor market needs (SWCC).

A partnership between Louisiana Delta Community College and area local high schools is helping students gain hands-on experience and workforce-prized credentials during their summer break (LDCC).

Awards and Other Recognition

The state of Ohio announced its latest Purple Star Awards, which recognize colleges and universities for their support of military-connected students. CAEL members Northwest State Community College and Walsh University were among the recipients, joining several others who have received the designation, which must be renewed every three years (Ohio Department of Higher Education).

Lorain County Community College has been named a finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence — one of the most prestigious recognitions in American higher education, a feat that fewer than one percent of community colleges achieve (LCCC).

Northeast Iowa Community College presented some awards of its own, in recognition of the importance of cross-sector collaboration. It recently announced the recipients of its second annual NICC Employer Partners Awards, which honor employers for their furtherance of “scholarship creation, internships, program advisory leadership, and career development initiatives” (Decorah Leader).