Member Matters October 2025

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

Accelerating Adult Learning

A focus on adult learners, transfer students, and workforce partnerships has contributed to a surge in enrollment at Athens State University, where new undergraduate students are up 13% in the fall compared to 2024 (The Decatur Daily via Yahoo).

With support from a National Science Foundation grant, Northeast Iowa Community College is applying a competency-based education framework to four advanced manufacturing programs, supporting an emphasis on rural accessibility and veteran engagement (NICC).

Columbia Gorge Community College and South Central College are among a cohort of rural colleges selected to the Rural Community College Adult Learner Engagement initiative. The two-year program is the product of a partnership that includes Lumina Foundation, CollegeAPP, and StrategyForward Advisors and focuses on better supporting Comebackers (Lumina Foundation). 

Fortifying Talent Pipelines

Central Wyoming College and the Wyoming Department of Education held an event highlighting CWC's collaboration in support of CTE programs, competency-based education, certificate programs, dual enrollment, and other initiatives that support career pathways and workforce development (CWC).

Ball State University's Office of Governmental Relations and Industry Engagement has released a talent pipeline toolkit that seamlessly catalogs key initiatives the university offers in support of regional workforce needs (Ball State).

With hundreds of new jobs expected to result from the opening of a new casino and hotel in Petersburg, Virginia, Richard Bland College has opened the Workforce and Career Readiness Center in partnership with Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia and the city of Petersburg. The center will offer training in table games and additional high-demand occupations, including health care workers and drone pilots (Richard Bland College).

Success Through Short-Term Credentials

The first cohort of graduates of a University at Albany State Weather Risk Communication Center microcredential program has received digital badges in interpreting and acting on weather forecasts during emergencies. The university partnered with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency and the National Weather Service to create the program for emergency managers throughout the state (UAlbany).

Hands-on Learning

East Carolina University's Public Fellows Internship placed 20 undergraduates with organizations including rural county governments and regional nonprofits, where they gained valuable work experience while supporting missions facing limited resources (ECU).

Old Dominion University has won the 2025 Innovation Award from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council for its suite of work-based learning offerings and the student support that accompanies them (ODU).

The Art of Articulation

San Juan College and Western Governors University have initiated a transfer agreement benefiting SJC students and employees with features that include scholarship opportunities, a competency-based framework, and waived application fees (San Juan College).

An extended partnership between Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System will connect all 16 of the state's community colleges with transfer pathways to the university that include priority registration, free textbooks, scholarships, and advising support (EKU).