January 7, 2026
Happy new year, everyone. I hope you are energized as we launch into this new year. Workforce demands emerging across multiple industries are a critical focus for 2026 and AACC is working to amplify these narratives in Washington, DC, and across the country.
Activity around apprenticeships is expanding quickly. Just yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $145 million national to support performance-based registered apprenticeships. AACC will convey more information about the application process as it becomes available. For those poised to consider their own eligibility, a January 21 webinar hosted by Apprenticeships for America may provide timely insights.
Two good news stories from the U.S. Department of Education: ED announced awards to several of our members from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) for AI and Workforce Pell programs; and the new Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) survey will exempt community colleges from reporting, including those that offer limited baccalaureate programs.
I am currently on the ground in Iowa, preparing to speak at Hawkeye Community College about Resilient by Design and its relation to AACC’s strategies for maximizing opportunities for our members. I want to point out Hawkeye’s vivid “In Their Words” section for its relevance to student pathways and their webpage that speaks directly to industry partnerships. Making these on-ramps clear and compelling on our colleges’ portals draws in both potential students and valuable workforce allies.
AACC’s virtual focus groups on member needs are filling quickly. We are eager to hear how AACC can best serve your institution’s needs and priorities. Please register for your preferred date below. We will open more sessions if these fill to capacity.
- Wednesday, January 14, 11:00 a.m. (ET)
- Thursday, January 15, 12:00 p.m. (ET)
- Tuesday, January 20, 3:00 p.m. (ET)
- Monday, January 26, 1:00 p.m. (ET)
January’s Workforce Development Institute (WDI) in New Orleans is just three weeks away. Building the pipeline of skilled workers is a critical role for our colleges—one that depends on deep connections to industries, federal agencies, and other stakeholders. If your college could benefit from deepening its relations with industry, this upcoming gathering is a valuable opportunity. Seven hundred registrants are already enrolled for dozens of panels and networking experiences, featuring partnerships across advanced manufacturing, building trades, healthcare, cybersecurity, and more. Resilience is intentionally designed and events like this one are powerful catalysts.