Building on the success of NCWE’s New Workforce Professionals Academy (NWPA) and responding directly to member input, NCWE is reimagining how we develop and support community college workforce leaders nationwide.
A Year of Strategic Research and Redesign
Thanks to generous support from the JPMorganChase, NCWE will undertake a comprehensive yearlong initiative beginning in late fall 2025 to redesign and strengthen our workforce leadership development programming. This project will boost our capacity to serve member colleges and partners while fostering collaborative partnerships that drive systemic institutional change.
Understanding What Leaders Need
Through robust research—including surveys, focus groups, and member engagement—we’ll identify critical leadership development needs and gaps in the field. Our goal is to understand:
- What skills and support transformative leaders need to serve today’s learners, employers, and community partners
- How leaders can effectively leverage emerging opportunities like Workforce Pell, expansion of apprenticeship, AI, and innovative credentialing frameworks
- What competencies are essential for navigating today’s complex program and policy landscapes
A summative report will provide actionable insights to inform not only NCWE’s programming but also contribute valuable knowledge to the broader field.
A New Leadership Development Model
Our reimagined strategy will support community college workforce leaders through a scalable model that expands both reach and impact. We’re exploring multiple formats, including cohort-based academies and open-access learning opportunities available to all members, and opportunities to collaborate with other organizations.
This expanded approach addresses a critical need: ongoing leadership development and peer learning for workforce professionals at every career stage—from emerging leaders to seasoned executives seeking continuous, contextualized professional growth.
Our Commitment
NCWE’s leadership development efforts embody our mission to advance workforce education excellence through student-centered, practitioner-driven solutions. Our redesigned programming will continue to emphasize what works: peer learning, mentorship, and professional networking that elevates both individuals and our field.Want to learn more? Sign up here to stay informed as this initiative unfolds.