Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 9/12
- Heather Harman
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce development, and venture capital news.
The current state of higher education and the workforce development is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological innovation. From modernizing accreditation processes to reshaping workforce development and re-engaging adult learners, the articles in this week's News Roundup highlight how these advancements are opening new pathways for access, quality, and efficiency. Explore how emerging technologies, particularly particularly edtech and AI, are fueling these changes across education and employment sectors in the article below.
How technology can transform the higher education accreditation process and drive continuous improvement at colleges and universities – This AEI report explores the current higher education accreditation system, which relies on infrequent and resource-intensive reviews that often delay the identification of quality concerns. It highlights recent federal policy proposals, such as the April 2025 executive order, that aim to modernize accreditation through technology-enabled continuous monitoring. The report emphasizes the transformative role of edtech and workforce technology, drawing on examples from sectors like healthcare and finance where real-time monitoring has improved quality assurance and accountability. By adopting technology-driven platforms, pilot programs, and standardized data practices, the higher education sector can enhance transparency, provide more reliable information to students and families, and equip policymakers with better tools to ensure the effective use of taxpayer dollars.
How much is AI actually affecting the workforce? – This episode of the The Indicator from Planet Money highlights how AI is increasingly impacting the workforce by both replacing certain jobs, especially in entry-level and manual tasks, and enhancing productivity for skilled workers. Economists compare this shift to the Industrial Revolution, noting that AI could lead to a smaller share of income for workers (labor share) as companies become more profitable, similar to historical patterns of technological adoption. While AI may diminish workers' direct earnings share, overall economic growth, and higher individual wages for those with AI skills suggest a complex transformation, raising important questions about fair profit distribution, market concentration, and the future relationship between humans, corporations, and technology in the workplace.
Community Colleges Aim to Shorten the Path to Skilled Jobs – The ongoing skilled worker shortage across the U.S. is hampering economic growth, but innovative edtech and workforce development companies are making strides to address this challenge through micro-pathways and targeted training programs. These organizations are creating short, stackable credentials (sometimes as brief as 10-15 hours) that enable nontraditional students, many working or with families, to quickly gain entry-level skills and secure well-paying jobs in sectors like behavioral health, manufacturing, and tech. By collaborating with employers and leveraging online platforms, edtech firms can expand access, tailor curricula to industry needs, and facilitate ongoing career advancement. Additionally, policy support, including Pell grant extensions and free community college initiatives, amplifies these efforts. Together, these approaches can accelerate skill acquisition, reduce barriers for learners, and help employers fill critical roles, ultimately strengthening the American workforce.
3 big misconceptions about “some-college, no-degree” learners – Recent data from National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows that over 940,000 adult learners re-enrolled in higher education in 2022-23, with many choosing different institutions for completion. This highlights a significant opportunity for colleges and universities to boost re-enrollment by leveraging edtech and data-driven outreach to reconnect with former students, especially those close to finishing their degrees. By adopting flexible, adult-friendly program designs, addressing financial barriers, and streamlining re-enrollment processes, supported by targeted digital tools, institutions can better serve adult learners juggling work and family commitments. Moreover, focusing on workforce development, re-engaging stop-outs aligns higher education with regional economic needs, ensuring that adult learners acquire valuable credentials efficiently. Overall, innovative edtech solutions and proactive strategies are essential for institutions to capitalize on this largely untapped potential, fostering lifelong learning and workforce readiness.
VCs Funding More Tools For Frontline Workers – Recent funding trends reveal significant investor interest in startups developing tools for in-person frontline workers across industries like healthcare, construction, retail, and hospitality. Healthcare emerges as a leading sector, with some companies raising substantial funds to enhance staffing and connect travel nurses with opportunities. Other sectors, such as construction and manufacturing, see investment in platforms that streamline administrative tasks and improve operational efficiency through AI and integrated management tools. These industries remain resilient and essential, with many jobs requiring physical presence, making them attractive for automation and workforce support solutions.
AI-Powered Behavior Support: Leveraging Generative Tools for Individualized Classroom Interventions – Now more than ever, AI's integration is vital for enhancing teaching practices, particularly in creating personalized behavior interventions, adapting curriculum materials for diverse learners, and designing targeted resources. Educators are encouraged to embrace edtech and AI tools for behavior planning and IEP development, as well as tools that will help tailor content to students' needs. Additionally, emerging technologies like AR and VR promote inclusivity and cultural understanding. However, ethical considerations around data privacy, student safety, and equity are crucial, with guidelines from educational authorities emphasizing responsible AI use. Overall though, AI offers significant potential to support student success, provided its implementation prioritizes fairness and ethical standards.
As technology continues to evolve, its potential to enhance education quality, streamline workforce training, and support lifelong learning becomes increasingly evident. By embracing innovative solutions and addressing ethical considerations, institutions and employers can better prepare learners and workers for the demands of a dynamic, tech-driven economy.