In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving job markets, the connection between higher education and workforce development has never been more crucial. A recent webinar hosted by Heart+Mind Strategies titled “Preparing Students for College and Career Success: New Research on College Enrollment, Quality Coaching, and Aligning the Talent Pipeline for Employer Needs,” brought together experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this space.
The event, moderated by Jennifer Airey, Founding Partner at Heart+Mind, featured insights from Chris Lowery, Commissioner from Indiana’s Commission for Higher Education; Melissa Leavitt, VP of Quality Coaching at the Strada Education Foundation; and Kevin Keller, CEO at the CFP Board. Their collective expertise shed light on the current state of higher education and its connection to workforce development.
The State of Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities
Chris Lowery opened the discussion with a sobering look at the current landscape of higher education in Indiana. “Indiana is currently ranked 39th in post-secondary attainment, that is at associate degrees and higher, and has been for the past 15 years,” Lowery stated. This statistic underscores the urgent need for improvement in the state’s higher education outcomes.
However, Lowery also shared there is positive momentum. “As of this fall, our enrollment is up over 2% and we’re getting resident students and we’re getting freshman students,” he reported. This increase marks a reversal after a 12-year decline, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of higher education in the state.
Barriers to Higher Education
One of the most striking revelations from the webinar was the extent of personal barriers facing potential students. According to the research presented:
- Confusion about post-graduation career paths is a significant deterrent for many students.
- 32% of high school students and 43% of young adults cited personal anxiety and fears as extremely or very challenging barriers to pursuing higher education.
- For underserved populations, practical issues such as transportation and caregiving responsibilities stand out as more impactful obstacles.
These findings highlight the need for comprehensive support systems that address not only academic preparation but also mental health, earlier exposure to career guidance to build resonance, and practical life challenges.
CASE STUDY: Reversing Declining Enrollment Rates in Indiana
The Critical Role of Career Coaching in Higher Education
Melissa Leavitt from the Strada Education Foundation emphasized the importance of career coaching in addressing some of these barriers. “Knowing what career path to pursue is a top barrier cited by students and parents,” Leavitt noted. This uncertainty leads to a clear need for enhanced career coaching and navigation resources.
Leavitt advocated for the integration of work-based learning opportunities that allow students to explore career options earlier in their educational journey. This approach could help alleviate some of the anxiety and confusion surrounding post-secondary education choices.
While the need for career coaching is evident, many institutions are still in the early stages of implementing comprehensive programs. Leavitt suggested that effective coaching should:
- Start early, ideally before students enter higher education
- Provide hands-on experiences through internships and work-based learning
- Offer personalized guidance that takes into account individual strengths, interests, and goals
- Connect students with mentors in their fields of interest
By incorporating these elements, higher education institutions can better prepare students for the transition to the workforce and increase the perceived value of post-secondary education.
CASE STUDY: Strada Education Foundation
The Role of Employers in Workforce Development
Kevin Keller from the CFP Board brought attention to the importance of employer mentoring programs in bridging the gap between higher education and workforce needs. These programs can provide students with real-world insights and help them develop the skills most valued by employers.
Keller emphasized that employers play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce. By engaging with educational institutions, employers can:
- Provide input on curriculum development to ensure relevance to industry needs
- Offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities
- Participate in mentoring programs to guide students in their career paths
- Collaborate on research projects that benefit both academia and industry
This collaboration between higher education institutions and employers is essential for creating a robust talent pipeline that meets the evolving needs of the workforce.
CASE STUDY: CFP Board “It’s Gotta Be a CFP”
Innovative Approaches to Higher Education and Workforce Development
The webinar highlighted several innovative approaches that states and institutions are adopting to address the challenges in higher education and workforce development:
1. Data-Driven Decision Making
Chris Lowery emphasized the importance of timely data in driving improvements in higher education. “We blew up our research department and have a business intelligence team now that knows we’ve got to operate off of data as fresh as we can get it,” Lowery stated. This shift towards real-time data analysis allows for more responsive and effective policy-making than the typical lagged cycle known in education.
2. Collaborative Partnerships
Indiana’s “Partnership Pentagon” initiative brings together thought leaders from five sectors: business, government, education, community and faith-based organizations, and philanthropy. This collaborative approach ensures that strategies for improving higher education are informed by diverse perspectives and aligned with broader societal needs.
3. Holistic Student Support
Recognizing the multifaceted barriers to higher education, institutions are increasingly adopting holistic support models. These models address not only academic needs but also mental health, financial literacy, and career planning.
4. Flexible Learning Pathways
To accommodate diverse student needs and changing workforce demands, many institutions are exploring more flexible learning pathways. These may include:
- Micro-credentials and stackable certificates
- Hybrid and online learning options
- Competency-based education programs
- Accelerated degree programs
5. Enhanced Career Services
Institutions are expanding their career services beyond traditional job placement assistance. Modern career centers offer services such as:
- Personal branding and networking workshops
- Industry-specific career fairs and networking events
- Alumni mentorship programs
- Career exploration tools and assessments
The Impact of Research on Higher Education Strategies
The Heart+Mind Strategies research presented during the webinar offers valuable insights for shaping the future of higher education and workforce development. Some key findings include:
- Approximately 80% of high school students and parents (in Indiana) believe that continuing education beyond high school is worth the investment, figures that show while there is a belief, there is a dramatic drop off before enrollment
- Parents and guardians were reported as the most influential factors in high school students’ decision-making regarding post-secondary education, especially for male students, yet parents underplay their role and are not currently the targets to build awareness for success
- Work-based learning opportunities are highly valued as a means of exploring career options earlier to reduce the risk-reward trade off concerns, and should start at least in middle school.
These findings suggest that outreach efforts should target not only students but also their parents and guardians. Additionally, the high value placed on education beyond high school indicates that the challenge lies not in convincing people of its worth, but in addressing the barriers that prevent participation. The study also uncovered 3 specific orientations of these audiences to higher education – motivational pathways that can be used in messaging and targeting.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Higher Education and Workforce Development
The insights shared during the Heart+Mind Strategies webinar underscore the complex challenges facing higher education and workforce development. However, they also reveal numerous opportunities for positive change. To move forward effectively, stakeholders in education, industry, and government must:
- Prioritize data-driven decision-making to inform policies and programs
- Foster collaborative partnerships that bridge the gap between education and industry, as well as finding new innovative ways to outreach to parents directly
- Implement holistic support systems that address the multifaceted barriers to higher education
- Develop flexible learning pathways that accommodate a range of student needs and changing workforce demands
- Enhance career services to provide comprehensive guidance throughout the student journey and beyond
By taking these steps, we can create a more effective system that prepares students for success in both higher education and the workforce. The future of our economy and society depends on our ability to adapt and innovate in these crucial areas.
As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that the landscape of higher education and workforce development is constantly evolving. Continuous research, adaptation, and collaboration will be key to ensuring that our educational systems remain relevant and effective in preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Connect with a Heart+Minder to learn more about how we can help inform your policies, programs, and strategies.