To serve even more students across the nation, the Common App will be granting membership to a select group of community colleges in Illinois, according to a report from Inside Higher Ed. More than three million students, educators, and academic counselors use the online platform each year to inform, support, and streamline the application process for over 1,000 four-year universities. This is the first time the Common App is partnering with institutions that largely offer two-year or associate-level degrees.

The cohort for the 2024-2025 application cycle includes four Illinois members: Black Hawk College, Carl Sandburg College, Rend Lake College, and Sauk Valley Community College. Three Illinois institutions will likewise join in 2025-2026: Oakton College, Lincoln Land Community College, and Triton College. Data from the National Bureau of Economic Research has shown that education institutions saw an average 12% increase in overall admissions after joining the Common App, a trend that may offer community colleges a similar increase in enrollment rates. According to Insider Higher Ed, there are hopes by educators and administrators that the Common App will continue to expand its...

This year’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Mentor Up workshop will center around grant-writing and proposal submission. To attend the virtual event, participants must apply by April 1, 2025. Application requirements include (1) a concise, one-page pre-proposal document outlining a specific idea for an ATE-related project and (2) evidence of administrative commitment to supporting grant writing, proposal submission, and carrying out of the project itself.

During the Mentor Up Workshop, attendees will explore the role and scope of the NSF ATE program, dive into a focused idea based on their submitted application, and discover the intricacies of grant funding. Presentations, mentorship groups, and structured sessions on proposal planning and writing will provide various opportunities for participants to learn and network. The 2025 NSF ATE Mentor Up Workshop will be held virtually on June 4-6, 2025.

Visit the ATE Mentor Up site for information on eligibility, stipends and support, application guidelines, and more.

Planned and hosted by Houston Community College, the AI National Conference 2025 will occur April 9 – 11, 2025 on the West Loop Campus in Houston, Texas. This National Applied AI Consortium-sponsored event offers opportunities for individuals to explore, learn, and interact with innovative technologies that leverage artificial intelligence (AI). Highlighting the spectrum of potential uses and never-ending possibilities for AI, the conference brings together students, educators, and those in industry.

Attendees will engage with featured presentations, expert panels, faculty workshops, interactive learning activities, cutting-edge demonstrations, and professional development opportunities. Topics of discussion include fostering partnerships with industry, growing and preparing a skilled workforce, strengthening AI education and curricula, establishing best practices, and diving into current and future ethical considerations.

Learn more and register for the AI National Conference 2025 here.

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference will take place April 12-16, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together leaders, educators, and partners in the two-year college community. This conference offers  opportunities to engage with new research, solutions, and  practices shaping the future of community colleges. Attendees will gain insights from keynote speakers, participate in breakout sessions that tackle challenges in higher education, and explore emerging technologies designed to enhance student success. With peer-to-peer learning sessions and networking opportunities, the conference will foster collaboration in community college education.

Designed for a broad audience—including CEOs, executives, faculty, administrators, trustees, and industry partners—the AACC Conference provides tailored content for professionals at all levels. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conference—register today online. 

To address the growing shortage of qualified professionals in information technology and cybersecurity, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) partnered with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) to create the BlueSky Tennessee Institute. This groundbreaking initiative offers students a 27-month accelerated pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in computing with a concentration in information systems, while gaining hands-on experience through internships and real-world business projects at BCBST’s headquarters. Designed to attract students, particularly from underserved communities, the program provides scholarships and financial aid, making it accessible at little to no cost. Upon graduation, students receive a guaranteed job offer at BCBST. 

The impact of this innovative partnership has been immediate and significant. Enrollment in the first cohort exceeded expectations, nearly doubling the projected number of students. By aligning industry needs with academic training, ETSU and BCBST have created a scalable model for workforce development, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in high-demand fields. Beyond addressing labor shortages, the BlueSky Institute...

'Parenting students' (or students with children) can face financial and basic needs insecurity, which jeopardize their academic success.

To address these challenges, the Parenting Students Project (PSP), a pilot initiative by Austin Community College District and United Way for Greater Austin, provides participating students with a $500 monthly stipend, peer support meetings, and academic resources.

A mixed-methods evaluation by Trellis Strategies found that the PSP had a substantial positive impact on student retention, financial stability, and sense of community. PSP participants were significantly more likely to stay enrolled, experienced reduced reliance on student loans, and benefited from a strong peer network that fostered confidence and mental well-being.

Findings show that 88% of PSP participants remained enrolled or graduated, compared to 54% of non-participating parenting students. The stipend allowed students to reduce work hours, purchase reliable transportation, and focus more on their studies. Monthly peer meetings also provided essential social support, reinforcing a sense of belonging and motivation.

Many students credited PSP with helping them persist in their...

The University of Limerick has launched the Bachelor of Arts (BA) International Advanced Access programme, an academic pathway designed to provide North American community college students with an accelerated route to earning a bachelor's degree in Ireland.

This initiative allows students who have completed a two-year associate’s degree to transfer directly into the third year of UL’s BA program, enabling them to graduate in just two additional years instead of the traditional three. By shortening the timeline, the program offers students an opportunity to gain international experience while fast-tracking their degree completion.

The program is structured to provide an easy transition for students, ensuring clarity in how their associate degree qualifications map onto UL’s curriculum. With tuition costs comparable to in-state fees at prestigious U.S. institutions, the program offers affordability alongside a cultural and academic experience in an English-speaking European country. Find out more about the program on the University of Limerick's website.

The 2025 S-STEM Scholars Meeting is calling for exhibitors to join this exciting event in October! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with over 1,000 students from diverse STEM disciplines. Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their work, network with emerging scholars, and make a lasting impact on the future of STEM education.

To secure a spot, complete the interest form by May 31.

For more details on exhibiting, including opportunities and benefits, check out the exhibitor prospectus. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of an impactful gathering!

The League for Innovation in the Community College is excited to announce the 2025 Innovations Conference, taking place from March 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. Hosted by Alamo Colleges District, this 28th annual event is the premier gathering for community college professionals focused on enhancing teaching, leadership, and student success.

The conference features keynote speakers, over 100 breakout sessions, and a Solutions Center showcasing the latest in higher education products and services. This international conference is a unique opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and explore programs shaping the future of community colleges.

Find out more and register on the League's website.

A new video from the Centre for the New Economy and Society (CNES) highlights the growing challenge of skills gaps as a barrier to business transformation. The CNES 2025 Future of Jobs Report reveals how evolving skills demands are slowing industry progress and creating pressures for both workers and employers.

The video, from the World Economic Forum, explores how skills shortages are reshaping industries, the new roles emerging, and the fastest-growing job sectors. It offers insights for workers on how to adapt and succeed in this rapidly changing landscape.

Watch the full video on the World Economic Forum to understand how skills gaps are transforming careers globally.