Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 6/20
- Heather Harman
- Jun 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 30
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce development, and venture capital news.
Artificial intelligence and diverse post-secondary pathways are transforming how students prepare for their futures. From the surge of AI-focused programs at community colleges to the importance of broadening awareness of non-college careers among Gen Z, edtech companies play a pivotal role in shaping accessible, relevant, and innovative solutions. As industry demands shift and traditional education models face new challenges, it’s essential for edtech and workforce development providers to develop tools that foster skills, inform career choices, and support systemic change—ultimately empowering learners to thrive in an AI-driven world.
What’s New in AI-Focused Skilled Technical Workforce Education? – This article highlights the rapid expansion of AI education at community colleges, driven by significant investments from industry leaders like Intel, Amazon, and Google, as well as government initiatives such as the NSF-supported National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC). For edtech companies, this represents a substantial opportunity to develop and deliver tailored AI training tools, curricula, and certifications aligned with evolving industry needs. As colleges work to upskill faculty, develop industry-relevant programs, and establish clear career pathways in AI, edtech providers that can offer scalable, industry-recognized solutions will be crucial partners in shaping the future AI workforce. This shift underscores the importance for edtech firms to innovate in accessible, high-quality AI education resources to meet the growing demand across the postsecondary and K-12 sectors.
What Gen Z needs to know about non-college pathways – While Gen Z students feel well-informed about four-year college degrees and traditional post-high school options, they lack awareness of alternative pathways like apprenticeships, certificate programs, and military service. Many students and their parents rely heavily on school guidance, which predominantly emphasizes college, leaving non-college options underexplored. For edtech companies, this underscores an opportunity to develop resources, platforms, and tools that better inform students and families about diverse career pathways, helping to bridge the guidance gap and support informed decision-making for a broader range of post-secondary options.
Artificial Intelligence in Education: Risks, Opportunities and What’s Next - In the final episode of Class Disrupted's AI season, hosts Michael Horn and Diane Tavenner reflect on how their views have evolved, emphasizing that foundational knowledge remains vital despite AI advances. They believe transformative change is more likely outside traditional schools through innovative, systemic approaches, highlighting the importance of curiosity as a key skill. While AI can reshape learning, they caution against cognitive laziness and stress the enduring human element in educational progress. For edtech companies, this underscores the need to develop tools that foster curiosity, support experiential learning, and align with long-term systemic change, all while considering cultural, infrastructural, and human factors.
The rise of artificial intelligence can make college degrees ‘out of date’: Upskill in AI or fall behind, says expert – The 2025 AI Jobs Barometer by PwC reveals that employer demand for formal degrees is decreasing across all jobs, especially in fields exposed to AI, where skills are changing 66% faster than in less AI-related roles. AI technology enables rapid skill acquisition and emphasizes current abilities over formal qualifications, potentially democratizing opportunities for those without traditional degrees. Experts recommend focusing on practical AI skills and continuous self-learning to stay relevant, while also valuing higher-order cognitive abilities developed through education. Overall, the report suggests that adaptability and practical skills will be crucial in the evolving job market driven by AI advancements.
General Assembly announces Future Skills Board to align AI Academy with real-world upskilling demands – General Assembly has established its Future Skills Board, comprising senior leaders from companies like Stripe, Google, and Gartner, to provide real-time insights into AI implementation and workforce needs. This collaboration helps shape and continuously update the AI Academy curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant and aligned with industry demands. For edtech and workforce development, this signifies a shift towards more dynamic, industry-driven upskilling programs that incorporate current, real-world practices, thereby better preparing learners for evolving AI-related roles and closing skills gaps in the workforce.
What School Leaders Learned When They Talked to Families About Absenteeism – Edtech companies can play a vital role in addressing chronic absenteeism by providing tools that facilitate personalized engagement, data analysis, and community involvement. As demonstrated by Hudson City School District’s efforts, leveraging digital platforms for surveys, real-time attendance tracking, and targeted communication can uncover underlying barriers—such as transportation issues or cultural misconceptions—and enable tailored interventions like family success plans. Edtech solutions can also support policy adjustments, streamline outreach, and foster inclusive collaboration among students, families, and educators. By integrating these technologies, edtech companies can help districts implement proactive, data-driven strategies that reduce absenteeism and promote consistent student attendance.
The articles this week highlight the critical need for adaptive, industry-aligned, and inclusive educational resources. Whether addressing workforce upskilling, guiding students toward diverse pathways, or reducing absenteeism, edtech’s role in supporting systemic innovation and personalized learning has never been more vital. Staying ahead of these trends will be key to preparing learners for the opportunities—and challenges—of the future.