Work-based learning is the way of the future to connect stranded talent in communities across America to jobs that need to be filled. Apprenticeships can support many industries, and a look into our nation’s K-12 education system provides just one sector where these new learning models can advance our communities.
Through personalized interactions, responsive support systems, and a commitment to psychological safety, higher education institutions can create environments that offer not just education, but transformation. In doing so, they foster connections that equip students with the confidence, resilience, and belonging needed to thrive beyond the classroom, ensuring that education becomes a lifelong source of empowerment and connection.
Historically, support for for neurodivergent learners has been limited, often accessible only with official diagnoses and sometimes proving ineffective. Yet, as we venture further into the digital age of learning, innovative practices are emerging to bridge the equity gap for neurodivergent and situationally limited learners, particularly in fields like engineering or computing.
The California WGU Tech Impactors Network recently hosted its inaugural virtual event, sparking an engaging conversation about the future of the I.T. industry. Perspectives from WGU and Calbright students enriched the dialogue, all contributing to the network's mission of creating pathways to opportunity through education and mentorship.