Sunday, March 15

Welcome Breakfast
7:30-8:15 AM

Opening Session
8:15-9:15 AM

Education at the Speed of Business: How Community Colleges Are Becoming the Engine of America’s Workforce and Economic Growth

As the U.S. faces historic shortages of skilled technical talent and states face pressure to deliver economic growth and mobility, community colleges are being asked to do more—faster—with fewer resources. At the same time, students lack clear visibility into high-demand careers and pathways. This is not a talent shortage. It is a systems and resource alignment problem, and one the League for Innovation is working to address. In this session, the League will introduce its new Center for Workforce Solutions (CWS), created to lead innovative national, industry-driven collaborations across all U.S. industries—placing community colleges at the center of workforce and economic development. Through CWS, the League is reshaping how education and industry collaborate in ways that place employers at the table from day one. Moderated by League President and CEO Rufus Glasper and featuring a panel of industry experts, this session will highlight national progress in the construction industry and the aerospace and defense industry, as these efforts are forming a national blueprint for industry-education collaboration. Come learn more, including how your institution and state can get involved.