Through strong connections with labor market professionals, local economic development agencies, and local workforce investment boards, colleges develop programs that are focused on high demand occupations that have family-sustainable wages and opportunities for advancement. By involving employers and workforce professionals in curriculum development, colleges create short-term, stackable credentials and/or modularized curriculum aligned with industry-recognized skills and knowledge that prepares learners for an entry-level job through to a career. Colleges also build career exploration and career awareness strategies into academic and college success courses.

Community College of Denver
Career exploration built into academic and college success courses. Students develop a career and academic plan.
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Portland Community College
Modularized curriculum and stackable credentials.
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Davidson County Community College
Before entering ABE/ESL/GED, students are enrolled in a three-day intensive orientation. Once enrolled, students take a 30-hour career exploration course offered through the Human Resources Development program using MECA, a computer-based career-exploration tool.

North Shore Community College
Career pathways program and career maps for home-based and center-based childcare workers, including those in ESL. Program is aligned to college's associates degree program in Early Childhood Education.

Owensboro Community & Technical College
Stackable and modularized credentials in manufacturing and health occupations programs. Includes worksite and online learning designed so students can continue working while obtaining certificates and degrees.
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