Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 8/8
- Heather Harman
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce development, and venture capital news.
The rapidly evolving landscape of edtech and workforce development is marked by transformative collaborations, innovative solutions, and a growing emphasis on student well-being and readiness. Recent developments showcase a global shift towards integrating technology to foster engagement, address challenges like chronic absenteeism, and prepare students for the future workforce. Notably, the merger of Bett and GSV Summit exemplifies a unified effort to accelerate educational innovation on a global scale, while initiatives addressing mental health and work-based learning highlight a broader commitment to holistic student development. As AI continues to permeate classrooms and career pathways become more interconnected, these trends underscore a shared vision: leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to create equitable, engaging, and future-proof education systems worldwide.
Seminal Merger: Bett and GSV Summit Combine Forces to Redefine Global EdTech – The collaboration between Bett and GSV Summit marks the creation of the world's largest and most influential education innovation community, uniting over 100,000 participants across four continents. Bett, with its longstanding focus on education technology since 1985, and GSV Summit, known as “the Davos of Education,” are combining their platforms to accelerate high-impact ideas and foster global collaboration among educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors. This merger signifies a powerful boost for the edtech community by enabling broader networking, sharing of innovative solutions, and increased influence in shaping the future of education worldwide. For the edtech community, it means greater opportunities for partnership, visibility, and participation in shaping transformative educational advancements on a global scale.
7 insights about chronic absenteeism, a new normal for American schools – Five years after the pandemic, widespread absenteeism remains a significant challenge, with rates still 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Edtech companies have the potential to drive meaningful change by making learning more engaging and accessible through innovative digital solutions. As students increasingly skip school due to boredom, mental health issues, and cultural shifts, technology can offer personalized, flexible learning experiences that cater to diverse needs and reduce disengagement. Furthermore, online platforms and tools make it easier to catch up on missed work, fostering consistent attendance and developing habits valued by future employers. By leveraging edtech to address the underlying causes of absenteeism, companies can play a crucial role in transforming educational engagement and long-term student success.
What Students Value in Work-Based Learning and What Colleges Need to Deliver It – High-quality work-based learning (WBL) is increasingly vital for community college students, especially when aligned with their academic goals and offered with pay and flexibility. Effective WBL programs depend on institutional capacity, resources, and strong partnerships with employers, with some colleges integrating career services and workforce development to expand access. Centralized coordination, dedicated funding, and clear policies on compensation are key drivers of successful WBL initiatives, enabling more students to gain meaningful, paid experiences that enhance their workforce readiness. To meet rising demand and promote equity, colleges must prioritize embedding WBL into their core mission, ensuring scalable, well-supported opportunities for diverse student populations.
Will New AI Academy Help Teachers or Just Improve Tech’s Bottom Line? – There have been significant developments in the edtech community, particularly the increasing integration of generative AI in education. Teachers like Mariely Sanchez are actively using AI tools to create customized learning materials, signaling a shift toward AI-assisted instruction. The American Federation of Teachers’ launch of a $23 million AI training center aims to equip millions of educators with AI skills, reflecting a broader move to embed AI literacy and ethical considerations into teaching. While there is optimism about AI’s potential to enhance engagement and productivity, critics express concerns about industry influence, the focus on product promotion, and the need for deeper understanding of AI’s underlying mechanisms. Overall, these initiatives are shaping a future where AI plays a central role in teacher professional development and classroom practices, prompting the edtech community to balance innovation with ethical and pedagogical integrity.
Illinois becomes 1st state to require student mental health exams – The new Illinois law requiring annual mental health screenings for students from third to twelfth grade marks a pioneering step in prioritizing youth mental health within the education system. By integrating confidential assessments and connecting families to community psychiatric resources, the initiative aims to early identify and address mental health concerns, potentially reducing stigma and promoting a culture of openness. This pioneering approach could influence other states to adopt similar measures, transforming the industry by encouraging schools and healthcare providers to collaborate more closely in mental health prevention and intervention. Ultimately, prioritizing mental health in schools could lead to a more supportive environment for students, fostering better long-term well-being and academic success while challenging traditional notions of health care and emphasizing early, proactive care.
How to strengthen student workforce readiness with classroom and career connections – Career readiness initiatives and trends significantly impact students by linking classroom learning to real-world careers through integrated programs like Career and Technical Education (CTE) and exploration activities, which develop essential skills and confidence while broadening horizons via industry partnerships and virtual engagement. Educators embed career-relevant themes into curricula and collaborate with local businesses to enhance relevance, while advancements in edtech—such as virtual reality, AI-driven personalized platforms, and online exploration tools—offer immersive, accessible, and tailored learning experiences that increase engagement and practical skill development. Concurrently, workforce development industries provide scalable, industry-aligned training, certifications, and apprenticeships that meet labor market demands. Together, these sectors create a responsive, inclusive ecosystem that equips students with up-to-date skills, digital literacy, and real-world experience, fostering a diverse, adaptable, and future-ready workforce in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy.
Looking ahead, the edtech and workforce communities are poised to prioritize mental health, expand personalized learning solutions, and strengthen industry-education linkages—driving more inclusive and adaptive educational experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners and a dynamic economy.