Adapting for working learners

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Innovation, Working Learners

Adapting for working learners

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the needs of working adult learners are becoming increasingly prominent. As traditional models of higher education adapt to accommodate this growing demographic, leaders in the field are sharing valuable insights on how to best serve these students.

Why it matters

As more adults pursue education while working, universities must adapt to meet their unique needs.

Go deeper

Key takeaways from higher education leaders highlight the importance of respecting students’ time, offering flexibility in scheduling and learning modalities, aligning credentials with employer needs, and providing short-term credentials as entry points. These insights collectively demonstrate a shift towards more adaptable and career-focused higher education models that better serve working adult learners.

The big picture

Universities are evolving to better serve working adults by prioritizing flexibility, employer partnerships, and career-relevant credentials.

Compiling Semiconductor Industry-Aligned Programs

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Innovation

Comprehensive Program Compilation Initiative

The Presidents Forum is compiling a comprehensive list of programs offered at their institutions that align with the semiconductor manufacturing industry. This effort aims to create a valuable resource that showcases the diverse range of educational opportunities available to support this critical sector. By identifying and cataloging these programs, the Presidents Forum seeks to highlight the collective expertise and capabilities of their institutions in preparing the workforce for the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.

Collaborative Feedback Process

In the coming days, presidents and their staff will receive an email containing an initial list of programs that have been identified. We kindly request your feedback on this preliminary compilation. Your input is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information.

Leveraging the Program List for Industry Growth

Once finalized, the Presidents Forum will publish this list of programs and utilize it in coordination with various CHIPS initiatives. This collaborative effort will not only showcase the strength of our educational offerings but also facilitate stronger connections between academia and the semiconductor industry, ultimately supporting the growth and innovation in this vital sector.

Davenport University’s Prior Learning Program: A Win-Win for Students and Institution

by | Oct 17, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability

Davenport University’s Prior Learning Program: A Win-Win for Students and Institution

The big picture

Davenport University in Michigan has implemented an innovative program to award college credit for students’ prior learning and work experience, reducing time and cost to degree completion.

Why it matters

This approach benefits both students and the institution:

  • Students save time and money toward their degree
  • The university sees higher retention and graduation rates
  • Despite initial tuition “loss,” the program generates more revenue long-term

By the numbers

  • 93% retention rate for students using prior learning assessment vs. 78% for those who don’t
  • 62% graduation rate vs. 50% overall
  • $750,000 in tuition savings for students over 2 years
  • $2 million net positive revenue for the university

How it works

Students take a brief 8-question survey about their experiences. This survey assesses various areas where students may have gained valuable skills and knowledge outside of traditional academic settings. The program considers credit for military service, work history, apprenticeships, industry certifications, and standardized tests. By evaluating these diverse experiences, Davenport University can award appropriate college credit, helping students accelerate their progress towards degree completion.

The bottom line

Davenport’s prior learning assessment program demonstrates a win-win approach for both students and institutions in recognizing valuable skills and experiences gained outside the classroom.

Rio Salado College’s Best Practices for Supporting Underserved Communities

Rio Salado College’s Best Practices for Supporting Underserved Communities

by | Oct 16, 2024 | Innovation, Underserved Communities

Rio Salado College’s Best Practices for Supporting Underserved Communities

Rio Salado College’s Best Practices for Serving Underserved Communities

Why it matters

Rio Salado College, founded in 1978, has a long-standing mission to serve underserved communities.

The big picture

President Kate Smith outlines three key strategies:

  1. Flexibility: 24/7 online access, support services, and multiple enrollment dates
  2. Listening to learners: Wraparound support based on student feedback, including food security initiatives
  3. Access to meaningful credentials: Micro-credentials, integrated education training, and customized programs

Between the lines

These practices aim to remove barriers and provide greater access to higher education and career opportunities for traditionally underserved populations.

What’s next

Rio Salado College continues to adapt its programs based on learner needs and industry partnerships.

Introducing “Required Reading”: Your Daily Dose of Higher Education News

by | Oct 9, 2024 | Innovation

We are thrilled to announce the launch of “Required Reading,” a new feature on the Presidents Forum website designed to keep you informed about the latest developments in higher education.

Every weekday, our team will curate a selection of essential news articles covering the most important topics and trends in the higher education landscape. This carefully chosen collection will provide you with valuable insights and updates, all in one convenient location.

Key Features of “Required Reading”:

  • Daily Updates: Fresh content available every weekday, ensuring you stay current with the rapidly evolving higher education sector.
  • Curated Selection: Our team handpick the most relevant and impactful articles, saving you time and effort in finding quality information.
  • Diverse Topics: Coverage spans a wide range of subjects, including policy changes, innovative practices, and more.
  • Easy Access: Conveniently located on the Presidents Forum website, making it simple to incorporate into your daily routine.

“Required Reading” is an invaluable resource for higher education professionals, policymakers, researchers, and anyone passionate about staying informed on the latest developments in the field. By providing a daily digest of crucial news, we aim to facilitate better decision-making, spark discussions, and foster innovation within the higher education community.

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

We encourage you to make “Required Reading” a part of your daily routine. Visit the Presidents Forum website each weekday to access the latest curated articles and stay at the forefront of higher education news and trends.

CHIPS and Science Act: Major Strides in Reshaping U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Innovation

In recent months, the federal CHIPS and Science Act has made significant strides in reshaping the landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. This landmark legislation, signed into law in August 2022, aims to bolster domestic chip production, enhance technological innovation, and strengthen national security. The Presidents Forum and our institutions are actively engaged in the CHIPS program. Please find important updates on the CHIPS program below:

  • The National Semiconductor Technology Center has officially launched the NSTC Membership Program. The NSTC is a public-private partnership creating an unprecedented infrastructure to accelerate R&D innovation, develop a skilled workforce, and secure the United States’ leadership position in the global semiconductor industry.  NSTC brings together semiconductor companies, academic research institutions, governments, workforce, organizations, and others to collaborate and propel the U.S. semiconductor industry forward. To explore membership opportunities, please visit the NSTC membership page.

  • The Department of Commerce announced that it anticipates up to $100 million in funding to award recipients that develop university-led, industry-informed, collaborations about artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) relevant to sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. The full text of the NOI can be found here.

  • Registration is now open for the 2024 NSTC Symposium and Microelectronics Commons Meeting.

  • Registration is now open for the first installment of the “Inside the Workforce Center of Excellence” (WCoE) series.  This will provide an overview of the mission of the WCoE, share information about initial programmatic capacities, and discuss the first anticipated awardees under the Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program.

  • The NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program announced more than $11 million in anticipated awards to seven institutions supporting efforts to develop the semiconductor workforce ecosystem across more than a dozen U.S. states.

    • American Federation of Teachers Educational Foundation

    • Idaho Technology Council

    • Maricopa County Community College District

    • Rochester Institute of Technology

    • Texas A&M University

    • University of California, Los Angeles

    • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • CHIPS recently launched the Metrology Exchange to Innovate in Semiconductors, or METIS, a data exchange ecosystem that will give stakeholders access to CHIPS Metrology research results and serve to catalyze innovative breakthroughs in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. To learn more and explore the database, please visit https://metis.nist.gov

  • The U.S. National Science Foundation and DOC announced a $30 million funding opportunity for a Network Coordination Hub that will manage the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) and lead its national strategy to address the expected shortage of skilled workers needed by the U.S. semiconductor and microelectronics industry over the next decade. You can find the solicitation linked here.

  • To subscribe to weekly updates from CHIPS, please visit this link.