The purpose of this case study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of the implementation process of a career technical education program and business partnerships. Data collected included nine participants' experiences during the implementation process and current experiences with two local business partnerships. This in-depth study…

Purpose: The purpose of this journal-ready dissertation was to determine the extent to which differences existed in the attainment of Texas Education Agency approved industry-based certifications of Texas high school graduates by their ethnicity/race, gender, and economic status. In the first study, the degree to which the attainment of Texas…

Higher education institutions play an essential role in Texas' global economic competitiveness. They provide the talent and innovation that gives the state its competitive edge. The COVID-19 vaccine, ethernet, plasma screens, and e-readers are just a few of the thousands of ideas that were born out of U.S. universities. These innovations have…

Bringing together industry, workforce organizations, postsecondary institutions and working adults can solidify pathways to sustainable employment and regional economic growth. Expanding awareness of--and access to--potential career pathways happens when people connect with the education and training that prepare them for in-demand roles. When the…

Understanding economic sustainability is vital to the survivability of a community college. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore business strategies educational leaders use to satisfy diverse stakeholders' expectations to ensure economic sustainability in community colleges in North Texas. The data sources included…

This exploratory study analyzed disconnects that contribute to preventing water management organizations from offering vocational courses to southeast Texas school district students. Opportunities offered through legislative support and community services give school districts access to resources and training to prepare students for careers in the…

Student employability after college graduation is much debated, as new hires are having trouble not only obtaining a job but maintaining one. Research indicates (e.g., Baird & Parayitam, 2019; Bear & Skorton, 2019) that employers across industries want and need access to a workforce comprised of candidates with a shared knowledge of hard…

Texas, like many states, considers students to be "college, career, or military ready" if they earn an industry-based certification (IBC) in high school. While the expansion of opportunities for students to earn IBCs has been stimulated through state policy, limited research has systematically examined what factors influence students'…

Community colleges play a key role in driving talent development in the United States, producing workers with the kinds of training that employers need while enhancing economic mobility for students. There has been a push among policymakers at the federal and state levels to hold community colleges accountable for the employment outcomes of their…

Community colleges play a key role in driving talent development in the United States, producing workers with the kinds of training that employers need while enhancing economic mobility for students. There has been a push among policymakers at the federal and state levels to hold community colleges accountable for the employment outcomes of their…

This study examined science teachers' perceptions and determined their level of STEM awareness and support. Survey, interview, and demographic data were collected from a purposeful sample of 124 high school science teachers across eight high schools in a large suburban school district in southeast Texas. For purposes of this study, the school…

Post-completion success for Latino students is a conscious campus conversation that is gaining traction and support in a growing number of institutions. Excelencia in Education collaborated and partnered with seven Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in exploring and examining post-completion success efforts. When looking across the…

States and districts use career pathways in a variety of ways, in a variety of settings, and under vastly different circumstances to give young people access to meaningful careers and stable lives. In this report, the authors conducted case studies of career pathways initiatives in Texas, Ohio, and Colorado to better understand the triumphs and…

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, state education leaders have been developing numerous innovative approaches to supporting high school students who are pursuing career pathways and preparing them for successful outcomes beyond secondary education. This topical brief summarizes state needs and strategies related to supporting…

In 2014, the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) thrust adult educators into a dramatically new landscape of service expectations and partnership requirements to increase the ability of providers to meet the employment needs of students and employers. The coronavirus pandemic created an accelerating demand for adult education…