--- title: Summer 2023 Newsletter description: CAEL's latest newsletter covers a new Research Report on College Affordability, Keynote Speaker announcements, the Annual Impact Report, and more. --- [CAEL Newsletters ](https://www.cael.org/resources/newsletter) # [Summer 2023 Newsletter](https://www.cael.org/resources/newsletter/summer-2023-newsletter) Written by [CAEL](https://www.cael.org/resources/newsletter/author/cael) | Jul 21, 2023 ### CAEL Releases Research Report on College Affordability and Completion for Adult Learners *How They Pay: The Voices of Adult Learners on College Affordability, and How Institutions Are Responding, *the latest research from CAEL, is based on survey and interview data from adult learners and education providers around the country. The report underscores the gravity of nonacademic barriers facing adult workers and learners who aspire to upskill or reskill. The failure of Pell Grant funding to keep pace with the rise in college expenses has exacerbated these barriers, and the report offers several recommendations to help postsecondary institutions and policymakers better support adult learner success. ([Read more](https://www.cael.org/how-they-pay-report?hsCtaTracking=b099867b-5c97-4d27-846e-aafa7e5085a6%7Ccce427e3-9fe1-4908-9f25-17031d80d711).) ### Keynote Speaker Added to CAEL's 49th Annual Conference CAEL recently announced the addition of[ Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers](https://www.rand.org/about/people/r/rogers_rhianna.html?utm_campaign=2023%20CAEL%20Conference&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gwG9C3ezkTo6bTAtIAnyb_C-79TtV-n6F5xv-8uUYUi9J7WX8f4CwahdhqmzbVuztMRex), a visionary leader and expert in advancing cultural equity and diversity in education and organizations, to the lineup of distinguished keynote speakers at the upcoming [49th Annual CAEL Conference](https://www.cael.org/events/2023-cael-conference) in Baltimore. Join us Nov. 8-10 for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration with industry leaders, educators, and policymakers. Early bird rates end Sept. 29. Register now at[ cael.org](https://www.cael.org/events/2023-cael-conference).  ### Annual Impact Report Highlights Work of CAEL Community CAEL’s first annual impact report provides a quantitative and qualitative outline of our 2022 accomplishments. Highlights include enhancements of employer talent pipelines, industry partnerships, and regional workforce development programs and the expansion of CAEL’s network to include more members representing more facets of the education-employment ecosystem than ever before. Last year, CAEL membership, which encompasses educators and trainers, employers, industry groups, workforce developers, government agencies, and mission-aligned organizations, grew to represent 49 states and a postsecondary enrollment of more than 1.2 million adults ([Read more](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/cael-releases-first-annual-impact-report).) ### Regional Convening on SNAP Employment and Training Programs On Aug 7 and 8, CAEL will conduct a [free regional convening](https://web.cvent.com/event/d9038aa0-3163-48ae-a018-c7cca68baa87/summary) on SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) programs in the community college setting. The event will take place in Madison, Wisconsin. Topics will be geared to two- and four-year institutions interested in developing and disseminating best practices for local SNAP E&T providers. They will include: - Overview of SNAP student eligibility.  - Connecting students to basic needs. - Partnerships among community colleges and CBOs. - Serving specific student populations. - Intro to SNAP E&T (for colleges new to the program). - Equitable SNAP E&T programs. - Promoting SNAP E&T. - Successful SNAP E&T partnerships in Wisconsin. - General best practices for SNAP E&T. Register [here](https://web.cvent.com/event/d9038aa0-3163-48ae-a018-c7cca68baa87/summary). With grant support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services, CAEL is partnering with Community Colleges across the country, Seattle Jobs Initiative, Grant Associates, and the American Public Human Services Association to introduce more adult learners to SNAP E&T benefits within the community college environment. This national coalition, the [Adult Learner Centered & Equity Framework](https://www.cael.org/snap-employment-and-training-national-partnership) (ALCEF) for Community Colleges in a SNAP Network, focuses on developing and disseminating best practices for local SNAP E&T providers. Visit cael.org for information about how to join [ALCEF](https://www.cael.org/snap-employment-and-training-national-partnership). *SNAP E&T is a federally funded, state administered program that assists program participants in gaining the skills, training or work experience needed to move towards—and into—employment. SNAP E&T also helps reduce barriers to work by providing individuals with support services – such as transportation and childcare – as they prepare for and obtain employment and job retention services to help them maintain employment.* ### State Framework Dedicated to ‘Transformative Tool’ of CPL in Delaware CAEL was honored to partner with the Delaware Department of Education on the release of its CPL Policy Framework. Offering insight on how to derive CPL from more diverse sources, the framework notes that expanding CPL “could be especially valuable for returning students and those with non-traditional backgrounds.” ([Read more](https://news.delaware.gov/2023/05/02/state-releases-policy-framework-to-give-postsecondary-credit-to-students-for-prior-learning/).) ### CAEL Receives Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workplace™ Certification CAEL, has received Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workplace™ Certification from Diversity for Social Impact, a strategic professional and organization development company dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion to drive social impact worldwide. The Diversity Equity Inclusion Workplace™ Certification assesses organizations against a set of rigorous standards and signifies that recipients have created and sustained a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture. CAEL, along with its partner nonprofit organizations that comprise Strada Collaborative, received the certification via the Strada Education Foundation. ([Read more](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/cael-receives-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-workplace-certification).) ### Twenty-one Education, Workforce Leaders Comprise 2023 Advisory Council  CAEL’s 2023 Advisory Council provides diverse and distinguished representation and leadership perspectives from throughout the education and employment ecosystem. As the CAEL community continues to expand, the Council will help ensure CAEL’ s mission remains aligned with the common causes that unite CAEL’s diverse community. The Council’s representation includes postsecondary education and training, workforce development, employers, and philanthropy: **Gina Breukelman**, senior manager, Boeing Global Engagement **Lewis Brown,** vice president, talent management, talent acquisition and DEI, Comcast  **Dr. Chris Bustamante**, executive director, Arizona Community College Coordinating Council **Tamara Clunis**, vice president, academic affairs, Amarillo College **Dr. Alan Davis**, president and vice chancellor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University **Mike D’Ausilio**, managing director, head of new joiner experience, JPMorgan Chase **Dr. Deborah L. Ford**, chancellor, Indiana University Southeast **Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown**, president, Whatcom Community College **Dr. Christine Johnson**, chancellor, Community Colleges of Spokane (retired) **Kimo Kippen**,** **president, Aloha Learning Advisors **Karen Kocher**, general manager, talent and learning experiences, Microsoft **Chris Lowery**, commissioner, Indiana Commission for Higher Education **Dr. William J. McKinney**, advisor for regional campus affairs, Indiana University **Todd McLees**, managing director, Innovation Outpost  **Dr. Mark D. Milliron**, president, National University **Dr. Annette Parker** (Chairperson), president, South Central College **Dr. Rich Pattenaude**, president emeritus, Ashford University **David Polk**, director, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development **Lisa Schumacher**, director of education strategies, McDonald's Corporation  **Amanda Wagner**, chief operating officer, Employ Prince George's, Inc. **Elicia Wilson**, director of operations, GitLab Foundation ### Exponential Pathway (XP) Pilot Programs Continue In 2021, the U.S. Department of Education awarded CAEL a nearly $5 million grant to create and pilot a national career-exploration system. The technology solution seeks to boost the economic mobility of traditionally underserved secondary students and young adults by empowering them with critical information about education, training, and occupational options. Recently, participants in the [Southwest Ohio](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/xp-marks-the-spot-flexibility-and-focus-meet-in-ohios-new-graduation-requirements) and [Prince George's County, Maryland](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/xp-and-the-exponential-power-of-channeling-diverse-experiences-to-clarify-complex-career-pathways) pilot programs spoke to CAEL about how XP has impacted their local learning communities. Topics included how XP is supporting [a pivot from a “sit and git” model to experiential, career-focused learning](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/xp-marks-the-spot-flexibility-and-focus-meet-in-ohios-new-graduation-requirements) and [making career pathways more inclusive](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/xp-and-the-exponential-power-of-channeling-diverse-experiences-to-clarify-complex-career-pathways). ### Institutions Share Latino Adult Student Success Academy Experience In 2022, CAEL[ received further funding](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/cael-receives-funding-to-further-support-texas-institutions-in-the-latino-adult-student-success-academy), from Greater Texas Foundation and Strada Education Network, allowing four Texas-based participants of the [inaugural LASS Academy](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/cael-highlights-lass-academy-in-new-report) to build upon their momentum in a second, two-year cohort. They include Austin Community College, South Texas College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. All are Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The associate vice president for school and community relations at TAMU-CC shared her experience with the LASS Academy and [the impact of academic advising on adult learners](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/the-latino-adult-student-success-academy-and-texas-am-university-corpus-christi-perspectives-from-a-participant). At South Texas College, the director of student engagement and completion services discussed [using the LASS Academy to maximize the impact of adult learner communications and case-management strategies](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/the-latino-adult-student-success-academy-and-south-texas-college-perspectives-from-a-participant). ### CAEL Completes 40 Workshops, Three Full-Day Summits in Oregon Crosswalking sessions,[ Adult Learner 360 diagnostics](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/what-surveying-our-customers-taught-us-about-our-adult-learner-survey-tool), and[ Credit Predictor Pro](https://www.cael.org/what-we-do/credit-predictor-pro) implementations were among the activities during more than 40 workshops and two Adult Learner Summits CAEL has completed in Oregon so far this year. These events included individual and group training for faculty, administration, and staff. Conducted by CAEL’s Higher Education Initiatives Team, they covered credit for prior learning, policy review, workforce development partnerships, and more. Each activity was based on an analysis of the individual needs of the partner institutions to ensure they  delivered learning outcomes that could support success well after the events ended. For information on workshops and other ways CAEL can build institutions’ capacity to serve adult learners, contact Scott Campbell at [scampbell@cael.org](mailto:scampbell@cael.org).  ### Master’s Degree Latest Feat for CAEL Learner of the Year  Three years ago, Alphur "Slim" Willock completed his B.S. in computer science from Pace University, a longstanding CAEL institutional member. It was the close of just one chapter of the much bigger story of Slim’s lifelong learning. In May, he topped off his bachelor's degree with an M.S. in cybersecurity, the latest testament to what he describes as his "yearning for learning." Slim completed both degrees through the National Alliance for Communication, Technology, Education and Learning (NACTEL), which organizes industry-relevant educational benefits in partnership with Pace University, telecom companies, and unions. ([Read more](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/widowed-father-of-six-follows-up-cael-learner-of-the-year-and-oprah-appearance-with-masters-degree-if-i-can-do-it-so-can-you), and watch a video of Slim below.)   ### New Members Join CAEL Ambassadors CAEL welcomed three new participants in its Ambassador program: - Elizabeth “E” Cole, director of outreach & partnerships, Rio Salado College. - Shanna Coles, associate director of program development and learner solutions, UNC Charlotte.  - Nicole Zampino - coordinator of transfer and degree acceleration, Community College of Baltimore County. The Ambassador program is a volunteer leadership organization for CAEL members. CAEL is thankful for their generosity in sharing their experience and expertise to increase strategic interaction among educators, workforce organizations, and employers. For information about becoming a CAEL member or Ambassador, visit [cael.org](https://www.cael.org/membership) or email [membershipservices@cael.org](mailto:membershipservices@cael.org).  ### CAEL To Host First-Ever Member Appreciation Week As a member organization, CAEL wouldn’t be able to advance our [mission](https://www.cael.org/about-us/history-mission-vision) or deliver [impact](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/cael-releases-first-annual-impact-report) without our membership community. In honor of this growing network of adult learning advocates, CAEL is hosting the first-ever CAEL Member Appreciation Week, Sept. 11-15, 2023! Join CAEL for a week of connections, learning, and, of course, appreciation. There will be networking, giveaways, professional development opportunities, and more! More details will be shared with members soon. Not yet a CAEL member? [Learn more](https://www.cael.org/membership) and join today! ### Welcome New Members! CAEL welcomes new individual, institutional, organizational, and system members from the following entities: Blue Mountain Community College California Intercontinental University, Inc.  Cedar Crest College  Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chemeketa Community College City College at Montana State University Billings Claflin University Community College of Allegheny County Concordia University Dawson Community College DePaul University Detroit Regional Chamber Estrella Mountain Community College Flathead Valley Community College Fresno Pacific University Gallatin College GateWay Community College Genesee Community College Glendale Community College Global Skills X-Change (GSX) Helena College Highlands College Jefferson College  Joliet Junior College  Leeward Community College Linn-Benton Community College Montana State University Northern Maricopa Community College System Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges Mesa Community College Miles City Community College Missoula College Mount Wachusett Community College National University Neumann University North Shore Community College  Northern Illinois University Paradise Valley Community College Performance for Life Consulting  Phoenix College Portland State University Rockford University Scottsdale Community College South Mountain Community College The Ohio State University at Newark Tillamook Bay Community College  University of Montana Western UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School United States Naval Community College University of Delaware University of the Cumberlands Valencia College Western Kentucky University ### Welcome to Our Newest CAEL Employees! [Lori Babyak](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/lori-babyak-0), digital marketing specialist [Christina Gaetano](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/christina-gaetano), director, grants & strategic advancement [Le'Shay Guy](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/leshay-guy), director, member engagement [Dylan Knutson](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/dylan-knutson), director of fund development and strategic advancement [Misty Monroy](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/misty-monroy), manager of member engagement [Tiese Roxbury](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/tiese-roxbury), senior director for impact measurement [Sarah Schade](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/sarah-schade), senior director, partnerships ### Recent CAEL Appearances   | Date | Event | CAEL Involvement | | --- | --- | --- | | June 22 | [Assessing Essential Skills as a Form of Credit for Prior Learning](https://www.cael.org/events/assessing-essential-skills) | [Brooke Pirmann](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/brooke-pirmann) | | June 21-23 | [Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Policy Summit 2023](https://www.clevelandfed.org/en/events/policy-summit/2023/ev-20230621-policy-summit-2023) | [Earl Buford](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/earl-buford) | | June 20-22 | [Career Education Colleges and Universities](https://www.career.org/convention.html) | [Scott A. Campbell, Ph.D](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/scott-campbell) | | June 1 | [2023 Chancellor’s Summit on Adult Education!](https://cccsevents.cccs.edu/adultlearnerssummit/) | [Scott A. Campbell, Ph.D](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/scott-campbell) | | June 1 | [Closing Skills Gaps with Talent Pipelines](https://www.cael.org/events/closingskillgapswithtalentpipelines) | [Brooke Pirmann](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/brooke-pirmann) | | May 22-24 | [SMU + GSV Mission Summit](https://www.smugsvmission.com/) | [Scott A. Campbell, Ph.D](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/scott-campbell), [Doug Heckman](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/doug-heckman) | | May 9 | [Mo. Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development](https://dhewd.mo.gov/apprenticeship_missouri.php) | [Scott A. Campbell](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/scott-campbell), Ph.D, [Doug Heckman](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/doug-heckman) | | May 1-3 | [NSC Skills Summit](https://www.nationalskillssummit.com/content) | [Earl Buford](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/earl-buford), [Matt Waltz](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/matt-waltz), [Rachel Hirsch](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/rachel-hirsch) | | April 12-14 | [ACE Annual Meeting](https://www.acenet.edu/Events/Pages/ACE2023.aspx) | [Scott A. Campbell, Ph.D](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/scott-campbell), [Doug Heckman](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/doug-heckman) | | April 6 | [A Need for Speed: How Community Colleges are Partnering With Industry to Develop Short-Term Credentials That Lead to Good Careers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTDsHDFWXfQ) (webinar) | [Becky Klein-Collins](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/becky-klein-collins) and [Lana Munip](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/lanamunip) presented, [Brooke Pirmann](https://www.cael.org/about-us/our-team/brooke-pirmann) moderated | ### Recent Blog Posts and Other Thought Leadership Articles Featuring CAEL [‘Laboratories of affordability’ (op ed by Rachel Hirsch)](https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2023/05/25/laboratories-affordability) [Hundreds attend chancellor’s summit on adult education](https://cccs.edu/cccs-news/hundreds-attend-chancellors-summit-on-adult-education/) [Genevieve Feliu, VP of innovation at CAEL, to present at Education 3.0, Yellowdig's learning conference](https://www.yellowdig.co/learning-conference-2023) [Why adult learners are the supply chain’s ultimate renewable resource](https://evolllution.com/programming/applied-and-experiential-learning/why-adult-learners-are-the-supply-chains-ultimate-renewable-resource/) [From vicious circle to virtual cycle—how education can transform transformational justice](https://evolllution.com/revenue-streams/opportunities_challenges/from-vicious-circle-to-virtual-cycle-how-education-can-transform-transformational-justice/) [Listen up! activating voice through CAEL innovation fellows](https://evolllution.com/programming/applied-and-experiential-learning/listen-up-activating-voice-through-cael-innovation-fellows/) [How to attract, support and retain adult learners](https://www.wbtsystems.com/learning-hub/blogs/support-and-retain-adult-learners) [Research shows retention gains through credit for prior learning](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/research-shows-retention-gains-through-credit-for-prior-learning) [How one college used a faculty-led project to connect their students to basic needs resources](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/how-one-college-used-a-faculty-led-project-to-connect-their-students-to-basic-needs-resources) [Widowed father of six follows up CAEL Learner of the Year and Oprah appearance with master’s degree: ‘If I can do it, so can you’](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/widowed-father-of-six-follows-up-cael-learner-of-the-year-and-oprah-appearance-with-masters-degree-if-i-can-do-it-so-can-you) [XP marks the spot: flexibility and focus meet in Ohio’s new graduation requirements](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/xp-marks-the-spot-flexibility-and-focus-meet-in-ohios-new-graduation-requirements) [How a global nonprofit is changing the approach to credit by exam](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/how-a-global-nonprofit-is-changing-the-approach-to-credit-by-exam) [How uniform practices can support the diversity of CPL](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/how-uniform-practices-can-support-the-diversity-of-cpl) [Workforce development experts weigh in on how to make apprenticeships work for everyone](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/workforce-development-experts-weigh-in-on-how-to-make-apprenticeships-work-for-everyone) [Joining the Ambassador program: links between my profession and CAEL’s mission](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/joining-the-ambassador-program-links-between-my-profession-and-caels-mission) [Q&A with CAEL staff: Ashley Faubion](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/qa-with-cael-staff-ashley-faubion) [The Latino Adult Student Success Academy and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi : perspectives from a participant](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/the-latino-adult-student-success-academy-and-texas-am-university-corpus-christi-perspectives-from-a-participant) [The Latino Adult Student Success Academy and South Texas College: perspectives from a participant](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/the-latino-adult-student-success-academy-and-south-texas-college-perspectives-from-a-participant) [XP and the exponential power of channeling diverse experiences to clarify complex career pathways](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/xp-and-the-exponential-power-of-channeling-diverse-experiences-to-clarify-complex-career-pathways) [Supporting rural colleges and communities](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/supporting-rural-colleges-and-communities) [CAEL members sweep 2023 Aspen Awards](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/cael-members-sweep-2023-aspen-awards) [Member Matters June 2023](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/member-matters-june-2023) [Member Matters May 2023](https://www.cael.org/news-and-resources/member-matters-may-2023) [View full post](https://www.cael.org/resources/newsletter/summer-2023-newsletter) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "CAEL" }, "dateModified" : "2023-10-04T17:03:12.764Z", "datePublished" : "2023-07-21T17:03:00Z", "headline" : "Summer 2023 Newsletter", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 1306, "url" : "https://www.cael.org/hubfs/CAEL-BlogListing-2.jpg", "width" : 2500 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.cael.org/resources/newsletter/summer-2023-newsletter", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png", "width" : 60 }, "name" : "CAEL Newsletters" } } ```