In many parts of the U.S., broad-access community colleges are the primary source of talent for the region’s industries and the most promising path to economic mobility for learners and workers. 48% of Hispanic college students, 39% of Black students, and 52% of Native American students are enrolled at community colleges, and nearly 30% of community college students are the first in their families to attend college. Research shows that when community colleges work with industry partners toward a shared economic strategy, they can increase wages and employment rates and boost regional productivity.

Research on colleges and economic mobility by Project on Workforce at Harvard and insights from Education Design Lab’s Community College Growth Engine project, show that access to – and the ability to leverage – accurate, real-time labor market information (LMI) is a crucial lever for institutions to align with employers and prepare students for in-demand career fields. Unfortunately, many community colleges do not have access to LMI, or if they do, resource constraints hinder their ability to apply it strategically. As emerging technologies like generative AI transform the labor market, it will be more important than ever for colleges to stay attuned and adapt to industry shifts.