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 opens in a new windowannounced the availability of $145 million national to support opens in a new windowperformance-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 opens in a new windowApprenticeships for America may provide timely insights.
Two good news stories from the U.S. Department of Education: ED opens in a new windowannounced 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 opens in a new windowexempt 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 opens in a new window“In Their Words” section for its relevance to student pathways and their webpage that speaks directly to opens in a new windowindustry 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.
- opens in a new windowWednesday, January 14, 11:00 a.m. (ET)
- opens in a new windowThursday, January 15, 12:00 p.m. (ET)
- opens in a new windowTuesday, January 20, 3:00 p.m. (ET)
- opens in a new windowMonday, January 26, 1:00 p.m. (ET)
January’s opens in a new windowWorkforce 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 opens in a new windowvaluable 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.