Bridging Workforce Education and Policy

We help institutions assess and strengthen the alignment between academic offerings and labor market needs through structured, data-informed program audits. 

• Engagement may span 6–10 weeks, depending on the size and scope of the academic portfolio under review.
• Clients can expect: Analysis of regional labor market data (e.g., EMSI, BLS, and state workforce data); Review of enrollment trends, completion rates, and job placement outcomes; Industry and employer consultation through surveys or focus groups; Crosswalks between occupational demand and existing curricular content; Program-level alignment scores and actionable recommendations for program expansion, redesign, or sunset.
• Project outcomes include: A comprehensive audit report and strategic alignment plan that supports defensible decision-making, accreditation readiness, and sustainable enrollment growth. These audits help institutions reframe their academic offerings as responsive tools for community and economic impact ensuring relevance, viability, and long-term success.

We support institutions in designing short-term, workforce-relevant credentials that meet the needs of adult learners, career upskillers, and performance-based funding priorities. 

• Engagements may span 8–12 weeks, with timelines adjusted based on the number of credentials being developed and the complexity of institutional integration.
• Clients can expect: Labor market analysis to identify in-demand skills and align credential content with regional and national workforce trends; Curriculum mapping and modular design to ensure stackability and alignment with existing certificates or degree pathways; Stakeholder engagement including faculty, employers, and workforce partners to co-design relevant, high-impact learning experiences; Policy and compliance alignment with institutional governance, accreditor expectations, and state or federal reporting requirements; Digital badging and credential transparency frameworks that support portability, visibility, and credential value for learners and employers.
• Project outcome includes: A fully developed credential framework including competencies, delivery models, and implementation guidance that integrates into existing academic systems while advancing your institution’s strategic goals for equity, access, and labor market responsiveness. 

We provide strategic guidance to institutions navigating the complex demands of workforce-specific legislation, performance-based funding, and increased political pressure to demonstrate labor market relevance. Our services help institutions align with both federal and state workforce policy priorities, including full participation in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) system.

• Engagements may span 8–14 weeks, depending on institutional size, program complexity, and system readiness.
• Clients can expect: WIOA alignment strategy development, including state and regional mapping of workforce priorities and funding pathways; Eligibility and compliance support for the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), including application preparation and audit readiness; Design of referral-ready programs that meet workforce board expectations, integrate career navigation supports, and align with performance metrics; Facilitation of cross-sector partnerships with workforce boards, American Job Centers, economic development entities, and community-based organizations; Capacity-building sessions for faculty and staff to support long-term engagement with the public workforce system;  Training faculty and institutional leaders to teach toward workforce outcomes, embed labor market relevance, and support career-connected learning. 
• Project outcomes include: A tailored roadmap for workforce integration that enhances institutional visibility, strengthens funding access, and builds a foundation for sustainable, equity-driven impact in your region.