January 21, 2026
As many colleges kick off the spring semester, I am reminded of the energy and excitement that comes with a new semester. I also remember extensive “To Do” lists, so I urge everyone to be thoughtful about balancing wellness with productivity.
Several funding possibilities are on the horizon from the U.S. Department of Labor. The DOL’s predicted $145 million in performance-based registered apprenticeship funding will be explored at today’s 12 noon (ET) webinar by Apprenticeships for America. “Earn while you learn” has been the catch-phrase for this hands-on training model for decades, and apprenticeships have expanded far beyond traditional trades in many fields.
A second webinar on the DOL’s $15 million competition to strengthen the connections between learners, educators, and employers will take place in February. The creation of integrated Talent Marketplaces is vital to the work of better connecting talent and opportunity. For more details, please see Connecting Talent to Opportunity.
This week I am coming to you from Texas where I am sharing the AACC vision with members of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. While Texas has an advantage of scale—50 community colleges—it also has some powerful advocacy material. I want to point you to their campaign around Building a Next-Generation Workforce, as a model for joining data and student stories in vivid ways.
My presentations last week to Michigan and Ohio presidents’ groups—as well as another today to Hudson County Community College’s faculty and staff—were invigorating. I am regularly inspired by engaging with leadership who bring their insights and commitment to our shared mission. On a related note, thank you everyone who has participated in AACC’s virtual focus groups. We have one more scheduled for January 26 and two more in person at the Workforce Development Institute next week. I hope to see you there, along with the other 850 WDI participants.
Advocacy is a primary strategy for staying resilient among shifting political winds. The Resilient by Design report stressed that “Policy engagement must be deepened.” To that end, many who are attending the National Legislative Summit in Washington, DC, in February, are already diving into the legislative priorities. But even those who can’t make the trip can stay in-the-know with this January 22 webinar which brings together the staffs of ACCT and AACC to discuss the 2026 advocacy slate. Protecting funding for Pell grants, TRIO, and MSIs continues to be among our highest priorities.