TCSG and Mercer University Strengthen Transfer Pathways

Great news for Georgia’s workforce and the next generation of talent. By strengthening the pipeline from technical education to four-year degrees, we’re reducing barriers, expanding opportunity, and making sure Georgia students can gain the skills they need to succeed without unnecessary roadblocks. This is exactly the kind of workforce development that keeps Georgia the top state for jobs and talent.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) in North Carolina's public schools is turning learning into real results. By the numbers, CTE students are graduating career-ready with the skills, credentials and experiences employers value - building strong futures and a strong workforce. #FindYourFitNCPublicSchools

Mercer and the Technical College System of Georgia have signed new transfer agreements to create seamless pathways for technical college students to earn bachelor’s degrees. https://lnkd.in/eeBiQXqe

Record-breaking freshman applications at LSU are a strong indicator of confidence in our region and its future workforce. This is a trend we need to take advantage of. The St. George Chamber of Commerce intends to work alongside students, educators, and employers to help create favorable employment opportunities that keep graduates building their careers locally. Aligning talent with opportunity strengthens both our economy and our community. https://lnkd.in/eFqTu2Cf

This represents a broader shift in U.S. education policy from focusing mainly on traditional college degrees toward emphasizing career-driven pathways that lead directly to employment. By prioritizing Career & Technical Education, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials, the administration is signaling that long-term success is increasingly tied not just to earning a diploma, but to gaining practical, workforce-ready skills aligned with high-demand jobs.

President Trump and Secretary Linda McMahon are prioritizing workforce education opportunities so students have strong pathways to bright futures. Career & Technical Education sets students up for lifelong success by equipping them with the skills they’ll need to succeed in the workforce.

🎓 Exciting news for our Wisconsin Technical College System! Community colleges are seeing a surge in enrollment, with a 3% increase driven by rising interest in shorter, job-aligned certificate programs. This trend highlights the value of our accessible, affordable, and accredited education options. We're proud to offer programs that prepare students for in-demand careers without the burden of excessive debt. #TechnicalEducation #CareerReady

📈 What happens to students who earn credentials in high school and go straight into the workforce? There is a lot of attention on the “College” side of Texas’ College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) framework. In this policy brief led by Jennifer Freeman, we look at the “Career” side and ask whether earning credentials in high school translates into stronger earnings for students who do not enroll in college. 1. Among non-college goers, students who earn credentials in high school earn substantially more than comparable graduates without those credentials, and these differences persist every year after graduation. Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs) aligned with a CTE program of study are particularly valuable, associated with roughly $3,000 to nearly $8,000 higher annual wages depending on the year after graduation. Level I/II certificates and associate degrees also show consistent positive wage differences. 2. When we expand the sample to include all graduates, including those who enroll in college, the same story holds true. Earning an IBC, associate degree, or Level I/II certificate in high school is still associated with higher earnings six years after graduation. Earning a credential in high school is a big commitment for students, and this evidence suggests these credentials generate great economic gains, particularly for students who don't pursue college. This brief adds to our broader body of work examining which CCMR indicators truly signal readiness for college, careers, and long-term economic mobility across Texas. If we intend for CCMR to reward meaningful preparation, we should anchor accountability and funding decisions to outcomes that matter beyond graduation. Full brief: https://lnkd.in/giJtDVx6 Co-authors: Wesley Edwards, Brian Holzman, Han Bum Lee

Testimonial: You may notice a number of degrees hitting the grid from Columbia Southern University lately. I think this small school is growing in popularity due to its results. Having recently graduated from CSU, I can attest that it is not a diploma mill. For my part, I put a lot of exacting work into my degree with efforts spanning part of two careers, two commercial businesses, and several major projects. CSU's academic standards are legitimate and its degrees demand rigor in depth and breadth in both qualitative and quantitative aspects of each discipline. Courses and topics are relevant and digital channels and products are emphasized. CSU's administrative and veteran services are timely and accurate, and I found the scheduling format to be a good fit with my professional obligations. If you are shopping for a university for your next graduate credential, I recommend CSU be among your considerations.