Transforming Workforce Education
We advance workforce education excellence at the nation’s community colleges through bold ideas, innovative programs, and impactful partnerships that drive economic opportunity.
Changing The Workforce Landscape
Community colleges and their workforce pathways serve as engines of economic opportunity in their communities and have the power to transform lives. NCWE works to amplify these outcomes, and is dedicated to improving college access and the workforce education pathways that lead to good careers. We lead a network of community college and workforce professionals, and elevate practitioner-driven ideas and student-centered solutions. To propel opportunity, NCWE forges partnerships that transform workforce education programs and policies to meet the needs of today’s learners, employers, and economy.
Excellence & Innovation
NCWE brings together thought-leaders, practitioners, and workforce partners to design solutions and expand what’s possible in workforce education at community colleges. Through our insights, resources, and convenings, we help to incubate and scale what works. Whether it’s shifting the narrative and uplifting the transformative power of community colleges, or helping members harness funding streams to serve students holistically and address local talent needs, NCWE elevates bold and visionary ideas and equips our members with the tactical tools to realize them.
Professional Development
NCWE empowers workforce professionals through research, mentorship, advocacy, consultation, tailored training and leadership development. By providing resources and space for networking and peer learning, we help sharpen the strategies that modernize workforce education to boost college success, career opportunities, and economic vitality across all regions.
Strategic Partnerships
We build impactful partnerships and connect the workforce education ecosystem. Our members cover all 50 states and include community colleges, industry, human services, nonprofit, workforce and economic development, state systems, philanthropy, research, policy and advocacy. By uniting stakeholders, we leverage resources and knowledge to increase our impact and strengthen our communities and economy.
Real Impact, Real Results
Through innovative programs and partnerships, NCWE highlights how workforce education drives meaningful change for individuals, industries, and local economies.
Exemplary Program Award
Recognizing outstanding workforce programs that demonstrate significant innovation and impact, particularly in fostering student success and meeting the needs of local industries.
James Jacobs Scholarship
Awarded to individuals who have made substantial contributions to workforce education through research and scholarship, furthering knowledge that benefits the field.
John F. Grede Award
Honoring members who have shown exceptional dedication to NCWE’s mission and vision through board leadership, providing invaluable service to the organization.
Mabel K. Edmonds Excellence in Equity Award
Recognizes programs at community or technical colleges that apply equity-conscious practices to reduce workforce education disparities, focusing on innovation and impact.
Workforce Education That Doesn’t Just Train – It Transforms.
Upcoming & recent events
The 2024 NCWE Annual Conference was a huge success! Leaders in workforce education shared insights, built connections, and explored innovative ideas.
Want to be part of 2025? Connect with us about sponsoring, speaking, or exhibiting.
NCWE Insights
Get the latest on impactful programs, innovative initiatives, and key milestones in workforce education. See how NCWE and its members are driving change and creating opportunities across industries.
