Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 6/27
- Heather Harman
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 30
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce development, and venture capital news.
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, addressing critical issues such as student well-being, digital literacy, and equitable access is more important than ever. This week's News Roundup highlights pressing challenges and innovative solutions—from tackling the public health crisis of chronic absenteeism to preparing students for an AI-driven economy, improving youth mental health, and breaking down financial barriers to higher education. Together, these insights reinforce the vital role of edtech and community collaboration in shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready education system.
Chronic school absenteeism is a public health crisis. We must treat it as one. – Chronic absenteeism in Kentucky and across the U.S. is rampant, and it often signals deeper problems such as trauma, health issues, housing insecurity, or transportation barriers, especially affecting vulnerable populations. It advocates for rethinking absenteeism as a public health crisis requiring early intervention and comprehensive support systems, including school-based health services, mental health resources, family engagement, and community partnerships. To combat this crisis, edtech companies can play a vital role by providing tools that facilitate early identification of at-risk students, enable personalized learning and engagement, improve communication among stakeholders, and support data-driven interventions. These technological solutions can help create a more responsive, equitable educational environment that addresses the root causes of absenteeism and promotes student well-being.
Why AI Literacy Is Essential For Success In An AI-Driven Economy – Edtech and workforce development companies can play a crucial role in bridging the AI literacy gap by integrating AI education into school curricula, akin to math or science, and providing targeted, hands-on training through partnerships with AI specialists. Schools should invest in qualified instructors, develop comprehensive AI usage policies, and ensure transparency with students and parents. Additionally, edtech tools can offer practical, real-world AI applications for students to experiment with, fostering skills like ethical AI use, problem-solving, and adaptability. Workforce development initiatives can further support young professionals by providing ongoing AI training, enabling them to leverage AI for increased productivity and innovation across industries. These efforts will ensure students and future workers are equipped with the necessary AI competencies to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
To employers, AI skills aren’t just for tech majors anymore – Generative AI is transforming workforce and education, with professionals integrating AI tools into their businesses and students seeking AI skills to stay competitive. Colleges are rapidly developing AI programs to equip students with practical skills in machine learning, ethics, and natural language processing, recognizing the importance of AI literacy across industries. Edtech can be highly beneficial here by providing dynamic, up-to-date curricula, interactive AI training platforms, and ethical guidelines to ensure students learn responsible AI usage. Such tools can help institutions adapt quickly to AI advancements, address ethical concerns, and better prepare graduates for AI-driven workplaces, ultimately enhancing employability and fostering innovation.
Key to effective investments in youth mental health: Voices of young people themselves – There has been a surge in funding and innovation in youth mental health, driven by increased awareness of mental health crises among young people. Organizations are focusing on both clinical interventions and upstream social solutions that foster purpose, connection, and resilience, with a strong emphasis on involving young people as active co-creators. They invest in a range of startups leveraging digital tools, AI, and culturally-sensitive approaches to improve access, equity, and effectiveness of mental health care. This landscape presents significant opportunities for edtech and workforce development companies to integrate mental health initiatives, promote social-emotional learning, and develop tools that empower youth as active participants in their mental well-being, ultimately supporting a more resilient and mentally healthy generation.
Study: Financial Barriers Block Path to Higher Education for Majority of Students – The 2025 Student Voice Report reveals that financial uncertainty remains the primary barrier preventing students from enrolling in or completing higher education, with over half citing costs and debt concerns. Many students are also confused about their educational pathways and unaware of alternative credentials, though interest in flexible, workforce-relevant programs is high. Additionally, students increasingly rely on social media and digital platforms for information, and a significant portion plans to pursue online learning and additional credentials. Edtech companies can play a crucial role by developing tools that enhance financial aid transparency, streamline credit transfer processes, and provide clear guidance on educational pathways. They can also create innovative platforms for digital advising, personalized communication, and awareness of alternative credentials, making higher education more accessible, affordable, and aligned with workforce needs.
It’s Time to Reject Chronic Absenteeism as the New Normal in Student Attendance – The ongoing crisis of student absenteeism in the United States has only worsened since the COVID pandemic, with 23% of students now chronically absent. It emphasizes the need for better transparency in attendance data, especially for vulnerable groups like low-income and homeless students, to address disparities. Education leaders are urged to reset messaging around attendance, stressing the importance of daily school attendance for academic success, and suggests policies such as attendance-based incentives and graduation requirements to motivate consistent attendance. Ultimately, advocating for improving the quality of classroom experiences and public communication to reverse the trend may help to ensure all students attend school regularly.
By embracing early intervention, leveraging technology responsibly, and elevating student voices, educators and industry leaders can transform these challenges into opportunities for meaningful change. The future of education depends on our collective ability to create supportive environments that foster resilience, equity, and lifelong learning. As we move forward, innovative partnerships and data-driven strategies will be essential in ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.