We work with postsecondary education providers, employers, industry groups, workforce and economic development organizations, and funding partners that share our nonprofit mission and vision to better align their services and programs to support adult learners.
Postsecondary Education
Public scrutiny of postsecondary education's "return on investment" is at an all-time high. And demographic trends threaten traditional enrollment. More institutions are shifting from an exclusively "first time/full time" model and becoming mindful of the "new traditional" student: the adult learner who is looking for education that translates into career success -- whether those skills are gained through a college course or industry certification.
Encourage and facilitate recognition and awarding of credit for prior learning to boost enrollment and completion and to sustain integrated learning ecosystems
Develop and implement strategies that better attract and serve adult learners
Support collaboration among institutions, employers, and workforce organizations to implement innovative education-to-career pathways
Connect faculty and administration with industry experts to provide work-relevant curricula
Create/support learner-centered platforms that connect careers to educational programs
Workforce & Economic Development
The employment landscape is evolving rapidly. Communities and workers struggle with un- and under-employment and an insufficient understanding of the skills that employers want. Workforce and economic development organizations look to balance labor supply with market demand in high-growth sectors by promoting insight into available education and training for job seekers. To find and fund the solutions to these challenges, they need ways to "connect the dots" across all stakeholders.
Promote social mobility by connecting marginalized communities to better education and career opportunities
Foster strategy and partnership development aligning postsecondary institutions and other learning providers, employers, and workforce organizations to better connect adult learners to careers
Employers & Industry Groups
Even as technology expands the limits of the possible, it is shortening the "shelf life" of the skills workers need to perform ever-evolving jobs. Giving employers a seat at the table when curricula are designed ensures postsecondary credentials can sustain healthy talent pipelines.
Evaluate credential programs to assess alignment with in-demand job skills
Identify opportunities to create and support complex postsecondary education partnerships that meet talent development needs
Analyze and improve corporate education benefit programs
Create an overarching strategy for implementing platforms that support employee upskilling, career exploration, and education opportunities
Occupational crosswalks, pathways, and skills transfer support for impacted/outplaced roles
Mission-Aligned Funders
Philanthropic organizations that support adult learning and equitable access to education are challenged to find ways to maximize the impact of limited resources. Partnerships with stakeholders aligned with their mission further the reach of their community investments. Strategic collaboration sustains lifelong education-to-career pathways that advance social mobility for adult learners and other traditionally underserved populations.
Transform higher education to provide greater equity of opportunity for all students
Develop regional approaches that provide accelerated pathways to and through education and into high-demand careers
Help higher education and workforce stakeholders to build strategies and metrics that create system change and embed new approaches into their everyday work
Build platforms that communicate career and education pathways and accelerate workers' journeys on those pathways
Uplift communities by supporting skills-focused, market-driven education that mitigates the growing skills gap and drives upward mobility
Want to learn more? Let's talk.
If you're seeking guidance, solutions, and support in the areas outlined above, or if you have an idea for a future initiative with CAEL, please reach out. We'd love to connect.
