2. The Value Proposition
A Changing Labor Market and Educational Ecosystem
Accelerating globalization and technological innovation are disrupting the U.S. labor market
Postsecondary education & training increasingly an entry requirement for U.S. labor market
Educational attainment correlates to better labor market outcomes
“Middle-skilled” jobs are growing and changing

3. The Policy Landscape The 21st Century Economy Requires New Policies
Growing prevalence of non-degree credentials
Non-traditional students are increasingly the new norm
Identifying the right federal policy levers
Challenges—and solutions—remain
Policy must affirm multiple pathways to success in today’s labor market

4. Senior Federal Policy Analyst, Postsecondary Education
Katie Brown
Senior Federal Policy Analyst, Postsecondary Education
National Skills Coalition

5. National Skills Coalition
Washington, D.C. based organization with a mission of ensuring that every worker and every industry has the skills to compete and prosper.
Governed by a Board of Directors drawn from the ranks of business, labor, community colleges, community-based organizations, and the public workforce system.
More than 3,200 members representing more than 1,400 organizations over 43 states.

6. Demand for Skills in Today’s Economy
In 1975, only 28% of all jobs required education or training beyond the high school level.
In today’s economy, 80% of all jobs require some form of postsecondary education or training—including the more than 50% of all jobs that are classified as “middle-skill”.
Note: Middle-skill jobs are those that require more training than a high school diploma, but not a four-year degree.

7. Making the Higher Education Act Work for Today’s Students
Community College Compact
Eliminate the bias against working learners seeking in-demand credentials by supporting the JOBS Act (S. 206)
Support today’s college students by enacting the Gateway to Careers Act (S. 2407)
Measure postsecondary outcomes to ensure program quality by adopting the College Transparency Act (S. 1121, H.R. 2434)
Create a new permanent program to support industry-community college partnerships by enacting language from the Community College to Career Fund Act (S. 2390)

8. Jumpstarting our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act
Bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Kaine (D-VA) and Portman (R-OH).
Expands Pell grant eligibility to students enrolled in programs that are at least 150 clock hours of instruction over a minimum of 8 weeks.
Ensures quality of short-term programs by requiring that the credentials:
Are recognized as valuable by employers, industry or sector partnerships
Align with broader career pathways and basic skills instruction when appropriate

9. Gateway to Careers Act
Introduced by Senator Hassan (D-NH), along with Senators Kaine (D-VA), Shaheen (D-NH) and Reed (D-RI).
Supports career pathways for nontraditional students through dedicated grant funding.
Funding can be used to provide direct support services to students, create or expand dual enrollment opportunities, allocate emergency grants to students in need or increase access to case management services.

10. Stay Connected
Visit our website.
Sign up for our member list.

11. AACC Top HEA Reauthorization Priorities
Short-Term Workforce Development with Pell
Competency-Based Education Eligibility
Streamlining Loan Repayment
Limiting Borrowing in Selected Circumstances
Better Data (Unit Record Data System) and Measurements (300% of “Normal Time”)
Lighter Touch on Regulation

12. THANK YOU!
AACC Web site

13. Lindel Fields, Superintendent & CEO
Tri County Tech | Bartlesville, OK.

14. WHO WE ARE
Our Vision, “Inspiring Success Through Life Changing Learning Experiences,” is our guiding star. It is our inspiration and the framework for strategic planning decisions.

15. VALUES

16. ADULT FLEX & FAST TRACK
Education that fits working adults budgets and time constraints

17. ADULT FLEX & FAST TRACK
Education that is life changing

18. TOP 100 IN THE NATION
62nd for Women | 2015
32nd Small Workplaces | 2016
20th for Women | 2016
46th for Giving Back | 2016
33rd Small Workplaces | 2017

19. Lindel Fields, Superintendent & CEO
Tri County Tech | Bartlesville, OK.