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Traditional College Isn’t The Only Path: Building Acceptance for All Learning Options

Watch experts discuss the barriers and solutions in accepting and expanding non-degree pathways.

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Updated 2/8/2022
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Many of today’s challenges—skills gaps, rising student debt, and even the “Great Resignation”—stem from an outdated mindset that positions college as the only path to success. The traditional school-to-college-to-job path has worked for some, but many young people are looking for pathways that better suit their needs and aspirations. And, the riskiest approach for employers is to maintain the status quo. By supporting programs and opportunities that expand talent pipelines, we can build a diverse, loyal, and prepared workforce that is future-ready. 

Moderated by Julie Lammers, ASA’s SVP of Advocacy & Corporate Social Responsibility, this recent panel discussion at the 2022 LearnLaunch Innovation Summit focused on these opportunities from the employer perspective.

The featured panelists included: 

  • Aisha Francis, Ph.D. President & CEO, Ben Franklin Cummings Institute in Boston
  • Alex Swartsel, Deputy Director of Acceleration, JFFLabs
  • Ed M. Lambert Jr., Executive Director, Mass. Business Alliance of Education (MBAE)
  • Paymon Rouhanifard, Co-Founder & CEO, Propel America

Watch the full panel discussion.

2022 LearnLaunch Innovation Summit

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