The expansion of digital access is revolutionizing the global labor market, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. The new report highlights that emerging technologies, particularly AI, robotics, automation, and energy innovations, are driving significant job growth in specialized fields. Big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI and machine learning experts are among the fastest-growing roles projected by 2030, as 86% of surveyed executives expect AI to transform their businesses. Concurrently, roles in clerical and administrative support are declining rapidly, reflecting a shift in workforce demands.

Sustainability and green technologies are also shaping the future, with autonomous and electric vehicle specialists and renewable energy engineers ranking among the top 15 emerging professions. The report, based on a survey of over 1,000 global companies representing 14 million workers, underscores how digital access and technological advancements are reshaping industries and skills. 

The latest issue of the American Association of Community Colleges's (AACC) Digital Community College Journal December 2024/January 2025 edition is now available, offering insights for community college professionals, educators, and workforce development leaders. This issue covers:

• Digital Portfolios: Their potential for students and employers and the challenges slowing widespread adoption.
• Liberal Arts and Workforce Readiness: The vital connection between well-rounded education and career preparation.
• Corporate Colleges: How these institutions are transforming workforce development.

Stay informed on the latest trends shaping community colleges. The full digital issue can be found on the AACC website. Previous archives of the journal can also be found on the AACC website. 

Join the American Association of Community Colleges (AAACC) at WDI 2025: Uncharted Courses, an event for workforce and economic development professionals, taking place January 28-31, 2025, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California.

Hosted by the Workforce Development Institute, this year’s conference explores innovative strategies and partnerships that empower community colleges to lead in shaping the future of workforce education.

With an agenda featuring expert speakers, interactive sessions, and  networking opportunities, WDI 2025 is the perfect platform to navigate new challenges and chart bold paths forward. Don’t miss the chance to engage with thought leaders and peers in a transformative setting. Register now on the AACC website. 

Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has set a record-high enrollment for the third consecutive year, with 17,089 apprentices participating in 2023, as announced during National Apprenticeship Week in November. Governor Tony Evers attributed this milestone to ongoing efforts to expand apprenticeship pathways and reduce barriers to work. The century-old program, the first of its kind in the United States, combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, requiring employers to pay apprentices during both phases.

With over 200 occupations and partnerships with more than 2,600 employers, the program now includes fields beyond traditional trades, such as healthcare, education, IT, and finance. A notable milestone this year was the launch of teacher apprenticeships. 

State officials emphasized the program's growing appeal as a viable alternative to a four-year college degree, allowing participants to "earn while they learn" and enter long-term careers. Officials highlighted the program's role in addressing Wisconsin's labor shortages by enabling employers to invest in talent and workplace culture early on, improving retention compared to traditional hiring methods. The...

Ithaka S+R and the University at Buffalo are seeking first-generation BIPOC professionals in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field to participate in a new IMLS-funded research project. Led by Africa Hands and Melissa Blankstein, the study aims to examine workplace barriers, biases, and career advancement challenges while highlighting cultural assets and inclusion strategies.

Participants will join 90-minute focus groups, either virtually or in-person at LibLearnX 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, to share their experiences. Findings will inform future policies and professional development initiatives in LIS.

Eligible participants must hold an MLIS or MLS degree, identify as BIPOC, and have been first-generation students (neither parent/guardian held a bachelor’s or graduate degree). Compensation will be provided via digital gift cards. Discussions will explore workplace barriers, inclusion challenges, and the policies or practices affecting career advancement for first-generation professionals, contributing to better support systems in the LIS field.

For details, contact Melissa Blankstein (melissa.blankstein@ithaka.org) or Africa Hands (africaha@buffalo.edu). More information ...

The National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) announced a kickoff meeting for its new Community of Practice (CoP) on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST. This interactive session will bring together educators from diverse institutions to explore innovative approaches to teaching AI, foster collaboration, and provide access to  resources.

The CoP is designed to support educators at all levels of experience, offering tools, professional development, and a network of peers interested in advancing AI education. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of AI in the classroom.

The kickoff meeting will feature:
- An introduction to the CoP’s vision and goals.
- Discussions on how participants can engage and benefit.
- Opportunities to share input and connect with other educators.

Faculty interested in enhancing their AI teaching strategies are encouraged to attend and become part of this new initiative.

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Zoom Webinar Link.

According to an article by Community College Daily, post-pandemic fundraising at community colleges is evolving, with a stronger emphasis on values alignment and flexibility in donations. South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) has seen donors show increased interest in issues such as students' basic needs and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In states like Washington, where DEI work faces fewer legal restrictions, SPSCC has gained support from donors hesitant to contribute in states with stricter regulations.

Meanwhile, the role of traditional in-person events has diminished, with colleges leaning on social media and digital storytelling to connect with donors. The Orange Coast College (OCC) Foundation, for example, has seen fundraising success through campaigns and digital engagement rather than large galas. Both SPSCC and OCC are prioritizing smaller, more personal donor interactions, which advancement leaders argue are more cost-effective and impactful. This shift aligns with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education's (CASE) advice to community colleges: focus on meaningful engagement, build long-term relationships, and maximize return on investment...

The AI Summit New York returns for its ninth year, taking place December 11-12, 2024, at the Javits Center in New York City. A premier event in the AI industry, the summit highlights the commercial potential of artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights on optimizing business processes, driving innovation, and creating tangible value with AI-driven solutions. 

Geared toward professionals, businesses, and students, the event offers a valuable platform to network with industry leaders, explore the latest AI technologies, and deepen strategies for sustainable success in the AI space. Registration options range from a $29 Expo Pass to a $1,499 Delegate Pass, accommodating up to 5,000 participants ready to shape the future of AI.

Register on the AI Summit website. 

The 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report on Cybersecurity and Privacy addresses the evolving challenges and innovations in protecting privacy and security in higher education. It highlights the increasing complexity of cybersecurity due to global political tensions, technological advances, and societal shifts. With contributions from experts worldwide, the report examines how issues like state legislation, the rapid rise of AI, and the instability from ongoing conflicts impact data protection and institutional security.

Areas covered include the need for improved security measures like Zero Trust architectures, advanced encryption, and comprehensive risk management approaches. The report also emphasizes the role of proactive security awareness and regulatory compliance frameworks, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, to better safeguard sensitive information.

Reflecting on the insights gathered, the report says scenarios that explore the future of cybersecurity in academia, urging institutions to prepare for both opportunities and risks brought about by AI and other cutting-edge technologies. It calls for a proactive, adaptive...

Madison College's Electronic & Electrical Engineering Technology programs received a significant boost with a $4.6 million federal grant from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technology Education (NSF ATE) initiative. This funding, part of the Educational Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL), will establish a state-of-the-art training center focused on advanced electronic manufacturing technologies, including semiconductor fabrication and quantum photonics. 

The initiative will provide students with apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities, with a special focus on underrepresented populations. Faculty will also receive professional development in integrated circuit manufacturing. A key feature of the program is a summer internship in New York, where students will gain hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, 120 scholarships will be awarded at Madison College, further enhancing opportunities in the high-tech sector.

Led by faculty members Dr. Alberto Rodriguez and Grant Emmel, the initiative aims to expand workforce offerings and catalyze regional economic development. The effort aligns with the U.S. government's...