Just Released: ACE-UP College & Employer Partnership Action Guide

Across the United States, millions of Americans continue to encounter barriers which limit their access to education and economic success, particularly those from communities of color. Colleges and universities, especially open-access community colleges and four-year institutions, play a major role in dismantling these barriers. Through education, partnerships, and advocacy, these institutions create pathways for students to achieve upward mobility.

Recognizing this critical role, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW), with the support of Lumina Foundation, launched Advancing Community Equity and Upward Mobility (ACE-UP) initiative in 2023. ACE-UP is a bold effort to unite colleges and their industry partners to enhance academic and career mobility for all learners.

The Mission of ACE-UP

At its core, ACE-UP is about fostering collaboration. It brings together colleges and their industry partners to form a Community of Practice—a network designed to identify and implement effective strategies that address equity gaps and increase economic mobility. This initiative builds on the momentum created by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Strengthening Community Colleges (SCC) grant program, which for the first time incorporated equity metrics into its requirements.

The work of ACE-UP is infused with a commitment to Racial Equity and Inclusion, reflecting the understanding that true progress requires systemic change. The initiative aims to equip colleges and their partners with the tools, strategies, and peer support necessary to achieve transformative results.

The past year has brought significant challenges for ACE-UP members, including the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action and a rise in anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) legislation. These developments have created an increasingly complex environment for colleges striving to advance equity. Despite these challenges, ACE-UP members have shown resilience and a commitment to innovation. As one member noted, “Hearing all of the member’s thorny issues… really helped me see that what we are working on aligns with others and that we are on the right track.”

Sharing Knowledge Through the ACE-UP Action Guide

To extend the benefits of ACE-UP beyond its immediate members, CSW has developed the ACE-UP College & Employer Partnership Action Guide. This comprehensive resource serves as a playbook for colleges and their industry partners, offering research, case studies, and practical tools to advance equity efforts in their communities.

The guide highlights successful practices, such as those implemented by Onondaga Community College, South Central College, and Reynolds Community College, and provides actionable steps for creating similar programs. By sharing these insights, ACE-UP hopes to inspire other institutions to adopt innovative strategies that increase economic mobility and equity:

Onondaga Community College (OCC)

OCC leads the Community College Health CARES Consortium, a partnership of 11 New York State community colleges aimed at increasing access to industry-recognized credentials for low-income learners in healthcare and social assistance careers. By collaborating with employers, workforce agencies, and labor organizations, the consortium creates pathways from non-credit to credit programs, enabling learners to secure high-paying jobs while continuing their education.

South Central College

This institution has built strong connections with employers by hosting biannual industry summits and maintaining regular communication with business leaders. A dedicated Vice President of Strategic Partnerships ensures employer insights are incorporated into program planning and curriculum updates, creating a dynamic, responsive relationship between the college and its industry partners.

Reynolds Community College

Reynolds Community College aims to identify and address barriers for community members even before they become students in credit and non-credit programs. The college’s downtown campus – which serves an economically disadvantaged community – now includes a Career Connection center. Career Connection offers access to holistic supports for individuals who register for credit and non-credit bearing programs, including financial assistance, emergency loans, food pantries, and digital literacy services. The center also offers career coaching and a connection to employers who are hiring.

Join Us in Continuing Our Mission for Equity & Upward Mobility

ACE-UP represents a vital step toward addressing systemic inequities in education and the labor market. By fostering collaboration between colleges and industry partners, the initiative is creating pathways to upward mobility for historically excluded populations. As colleges across the country continue to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities, the work of ACE-UP serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through shared commitment and innovation.

We invite you to join this journey. Whether you’re an educator, employer, policymaker, or advocate, there is a role for you in advancing equity and economic mobility. Download the Action Guide, participate in the webinar, and take inspiration from the innovative practices of ACE-UP members. Together, we can break down barriers, create opportunities, and build a future where every individual has the chance to thrive.

To further the conversation and share insights from the Action Guide, CSW is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, December 11^th at 1:00PM ET. This event will explore the practices highlighted in the action guide and provide participants with the opportunity to learn from the experiences of ACE-UP members. Attendees will receive a recording of the session and can download the Action Guide to support their own equity initiatives.

Want to learn more about ACE-UP or work with our team? We want to hear from you:

Let us know how you’re using the ACE-UP Community College & Employer Partnership Action Guide or get in touch to share how we can support your mission of advancing community equity and upward mobility.