Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 9/19
- Sep 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce development, and venture capital news.
Innovative strategies and technologies are transforming how students access support, develop skills, and transition into the workforce. From flexible part-time job fairs that bolster financial stability and career readiness to edtech solutions aimed at dismantling systemic inequities and enhancing online engagement, these initiatives are shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready higher education ecosystem. As institutions and edtech companies work together to address persistent barriers and emerging opportunities, they are paving the way for more equitable and effective pathways for all learners.
Part-Time Job Fairs Support Student Finances, Career Development – Affordability remains a major barrier to student persistence in higher education, with many students working multiple jobs to cover tuition costs, which can impact their retention and well-being. While employment offers valuable skills and career insights, balancing work and academics poses significant stress, especially for full-time workers. Colleges are responding by hosting flexible job fairs and connecting students with part-time, on-campus, or nearby employment opportunities to support financial stability and career development. Innovative approaches like reverse career fairs, industry-specific events, and employer partnerships enhance student engagement and ease their transition into the workforce. Edtech and workforce development companies can contribute by creating platforms that connect students with flexible jobs, internships, and skill-building resources, and by offering tools for personalized career matching, remote work opportunities, and skill development programs tailored to students' schedules and needs.
Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline for Historically Marginalized Communities in Education – EdTech and workforce development companies can play an instrumental role in dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline by providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and social-emotional learning tools that promote equitable discipline practices. Companies can develop platforms that help teachers understand diverse communication styles, reduce biases, and implement consistent, positive behavioral interventions aligned with frameworks like Conscious Discipline. Additionally, workforce training programs can equip educators and administrators with skills in self-regulation, cultural responsiveness, and restorative practices, fostering inclusive school environments that prioritize student well-being over punitive measures. By integrating technology and professional development focused on equity, these companies can support systemic change, helping schools shift away from exclusionary policies and toward nurturing, supportive educational spaces for marginalized communities.
How to better focus community colleges around the student – This episode of The University Business’ podcast discusses the urgent need for community colleges to overhaul their operations by implementing guided pathways, a student-centered framework that enhances career exploration, personalized support, and workforce alignment. Highlighting successful case studies like Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, it emphasizes how such models improve graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. The episode's insights are highly relevant for edtech and workforce development companies, as they underscore the importance of innovative tools and programs that facilitate personalized advising, skill alignment, and career readiness, ultimately bridging education and employment outcomes.
Whiteboard Advisor’s 2025 State Edtech Trends Report - The 2025 State EdTech Trends Report details a pivotal moment for education technology, highlighting the increasing role of artificial intelligence, the importance of strong relationships, and the need for sustainable funding. For edtech and workforce development companies, this presents opportunities to collaborate with state agencies on AI integration, digital citizenship, and professional development initiatives. Companies can contribute by providing innovative, responsible AI-powered tools, supporting educator training, and helping states develop sustainable funding models. Embracing these trends positions edtech firms as key partners in shaping a future-ready education system that bridges technology and workforce needs.
Proving the Value of a Degree: Enhancing Career Readiness with Experiential Learning – This upcoming webinar explores how Central Connecticut State University is advancing career readiness by integrating experiential learning and developing a Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) to better showcase student skills, experiences, and competencies beyond traditional transcripts. It highlights strategies for engaging community stakeholders, aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs, and supporting learner mobility, all crucial insights for educators and workforce development professionals aiming to enhance the relevance and value of higher education credentials in today’s evolving job market.
Exploring nontraditional graduate students' online engagement: an instrumental case study of learners’ perceptions of purposefully designed activities – This study featured in the International Journal of Education Technology in Higher Education highlights how educational technology can effectively support nontraditional graduate learners in online settings by emphasizing authentic, hands-on activities that foster practical skills, real-world application, and creativity. Strategies such as interactive portfolios, peer feedback, flexible content formats, and instructor presence through timely feedback and videos help combat feelings of isolation and enhance engagement. Tailoring interactions with learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-learner according to the unique needs of working adult students, such as offering flexible schedules and targeted collaboration, can improve motivation and retention. Incorporating experiential learning models like Kolb’s cycle further promotes active reflection and application, making edtech tools essential for creating inclusive, relevant, and engaging online courses tailored to nontraditional learners’ responsibilities and motivations.
By embracing these trends and tools, educational stakeholders can better support diverse student populations, foster meaningful employment connections, and create resilient systems that adapt to the needs of tomorrow's workforce. The collective efforts highlighted in these articles demonstrate a shared commitment to empowering students through innovative, equitable, and flexible approaches that align education with real-world demands.