Blogs
Expanding Opportunity for Adult Learners: How California Colleges Are Driving Impact Through the UDW Project
By Jasmine McGee and John Brauer
In this blog, we look at how colleges across California, in partnership with the United Domestic Workers and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, are collaborating to build clear, equitable pathways for adult learners across the state, demonstrating that meaningful impact is possible through shared vision, strategic partnerships, and data-informed design.
A Three-Dimensional Model for Identifying Untapped Opportunity
By Kathy Booth
Even if they have never taken an economics class, most people are familiar with the concept of supply and demand. The concept sounds simple on its surface. If there is an increased societal demand for a particular item, we either ramp up production to meet that demand or hike up the prices. However, it’s not that simple, particularly when it comes to the present job market, where we don’t have enough people with the skills to fill available jobs.
Skills-First Hiring: Expanding Opportunities for the Learner and Worker
By Rajinder Gill and Erin Carter
In this blog series, we’ll share actionable tips and information about the skills-first hiring movement; its implications for learners, workers, and employers; and the benefits of adopting a skills-based mindset.
Navigating the New Frontier: Elevating Workforce Development in the Digital Age
By Tracy Huebner
At WestEd, we continue exploring generative AI’s transformative role in education systems. In this second installment of our blog series, we examine AI technologies in workforce development and their vital role in shaping the future of the workforce, with a focus on how college administrators can harness the technology to better support learners.
Reengaging Stopped-Out Students Through College Financial Campaigns
By Jenna Howard Terrell, Hayley Spencer, and Alyssa Blanchard
This blog post explores the importance of reengaging stopped-out students and the financial benefits for colleges to reenroll students. We also highlight successful strategies used by colleges to reengage students through financial campaigns.
Navigating the New Frontier: Introducing Generative AI to College Staff and Leadership
By Tracy Huebner
Through this ongoing series, WestEd aims to demystify generative AI and explore its potential applications across education systems. This first blog focuses on AI’s ability to reshape operational efficiencies and student support within community colleges and universities.
What Is “Systems Change” and How Can It Enhance Equity in STEM?
By Quay Dorsey and Valentin Pedroza
In this blog, you will learn how educational institutions leverage systems change in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) programs by using comprehensive strategies and shared measures to create a foundation for equity and inclusivity in STEM.
Four Essential Best Practices for Engaging Partners and Practitioners to Advance Economic Mobility
By Jasmine McGee and Adriel Garcia
In this blog, we explore four best practices for partner and practitioner engagement that can transform economic mobility initiatives.