In this episode host Marc Goldberg interviews Clackamas Community College (CCC) parenting student Kaytlen Thomas, Clackamas Community College president, Dr. Tim Cook and Trellis Strategies Senior Policy Strategist, Carrie Welton.

Kaytlen describes how impactful her first experience was at CCC enrolling in the GED prep program, how it shifted her perception of what the future may hold, and led her to take leadership in student government at the college advocating to address student basic needs.

President Cook reflects on Kaytlen's interview and shares more on the ROCCS initiative he is undertaking this summer - Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) - a 1500 mile run over 50 days across the state of Oregon visiting all 17 community colleges to raise awareness about challenges student face in meeting basic needs.

Carrie talks about her national and state policy work supporting postsecondary education access and completion by leveraging and integrating public benefit programs. She provides more information on the Trellis Strategies Student Financial Wellness Survey, a free resource to higher ed institutions that allows them to benchmark key student financial wellness indicators to drive institutional change, strengthen student enrollment efforts and improve student satisfaction.

The All In: Student Pathways Forward podcast is a part of Oregon’s participation in the National Skills Coalition SkillSPAN network.

This intro episode sets the stage for season 4 of the All In: Student Pathways Forward podcast which will feature students who began their college journeys enrolling in adult education courses that propelled them to pursue further education and career pathways at their respective colleges.

The All In host Marc Goldberg moderates a panel discussion with three innovative workforce development and adult education college leaders who have led impactful student-centered programs and partnerships at their institutions, across their states and at the national level – Dan Belyea, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Maine Community College System and Alfond Center, Laurie Kierstead-Joseph, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Adult Basic Education for College & Career, at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona, and Sheridan Nixon, Associate Vice Provost, Career Connected Learning, School of Workforce Education, at Dallas College.

The panelists all share insights on effective Adult Ed models that have created pathways to careers with economic mobility through workforce education at their institutions. They offer their perspectives on the value and importance of Adult Education within their communities and at their colleges and highlight strategies in how they have centered student voices to shape better programs, policies and partnerships. This engaging and inspiring conversation is the perfect way to kick off the new season of the All In podcast.

The All In: Student Pathways Forward podcast is a part of Oregon’s participation in the National Skills Coalition SkillSPAN network.

The Season 3 finale of the All In: Student Pathways Forward podcast features an engaging panel discussion with three inspiring students and graduates enrolled in or having completed high quality credential programs from different community and technical colleges: Lucy Briseno, a current student at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon; Monique Sallis, a current student at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota, and an apprentice with Aon; and Cha Zong Yang, a graduate of Gateway Technical College in Racine, Wisconsin.

Throughout the conversation, these students share their experiences participating in innovative, high-quality credential programs at their colleges that have helped shape their career pathways. They highlight the resources, supports, and services from their respective colleges and employers that have made an impact on their progress and success. From knowledgeable, dedicated, and accessible faculty to work-based learning opportunities to available financial assistance and strong career services, the panelists offer a firsthand perspective on what makes a difference for today’s learners. The students also provide thoughtful recommendations for college leaders, policymakers, employers and other students based on their own experiences. Their insights offer a compelling call to action for strengthening pathways that connect education, employment, and lifelong success.

These three remarkable individuals previously shared their community/technical college stories and insights this past fall at national and Oregon state conferences as part of plenary student panel discussions. Cha Zong spoke at the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) conference in September about short-term industry recognized, advanced technology programs and unique student supports such as the Metallica Scholars Initiative.

Monique joined the student panel at the National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) conference in October in Minneapolis on transformative workforce education programs, including apprenticeships, that offer pathways from college into careers.

Lastly, Lucy offered her perspective during the student panel at the Oregon Pathways to Opportunity statewide summit in October on the critical topic of student basic needs insecurity and elaborated on different resources and supports that can help address common student realities. The podcast conversation was an opportunity to explore these topics in more detail and culminate this season featuring students in quality credential programs.

The All In: Student Pathways Forward podcast is a part of Oregon’s participation in the National Skills Coalition SkillSPAN network and supported by the Lumina Foundation.