Playbook
Focus Areas
Workforce
Some colleges excel more than others in delivering on the promise of labor market success for their graduates. The actions they take—ranging from the programs and courses they offer to the quality of teaching and learning and the partnerships they build—play a crucial role in whether their alumni thrive in the workforce. Colleges that excel also proactively identify and support groups in their communities who have the least access to credentials that lead to strong labor market outcomes. With this understanding, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (CEP) developed "The Workforce Playbook," a practical guide for setting a vision for talent development and economic mobility. This guide outlines key practices that balance the needs of students and employers to advance regional prosperity. Based on research and evaluations of community colleges, including the biannual $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, this playbook highlights the practices, processes, and mindsets that distinguish colleges that are particularly effective at ensuring diverse students succeed in the labor market. The Workforce Playbook is informed by interviews with leaders and practitioners from 30 community colleges and in-depth qualitative investigations of six colleges that deliver exceptional labor market outcomes for students.
