10/30/2026
Big opportunities can come in small packages! Microcredentials and short-term training pathways are helping community colleges rethink how students gain the skills employers need, and Arkansas is part of the conversation!
ACC's Kyla Waters, Director of Workforce Initiatives, recently joined higher education and workforce leaders at the National Council for Workforce Education Conference in Palm Springs, California, to share insights from the Community College Growth Engine (CCGE) Fellows program.
The breakout session explored how state policy and funding can support the development of shorter, skills-focused educational pathways, highlighted Education Design Lab's micro-pathway framework, and shared valuable lessons learned by participating colleges.
Why does this matter for Arkansas? Because creating more flexible, accessible pathways to workforce credentials means more opportunities for Arkansans to build skills, advance their careers, and meet the evolving needs of local employers.
We're proud to be part of the partnerships and conversations helping community colleges turn innovative ideas into meaningful workforce solutions!
📸: Bradley Williamson (Education Design Lab), Dr. Sheila Jacobs (Arkansas Tech University-Ozark), Kyla Waters (ACC), Dr. Tina Moore (Arkansas Division of Higher Education), and Dr. Jennifer Schroeder (South Arkansas College)