Flexible Learning and Career-Connected Outcomes

Maria Flynn, President and CEO of Jobs for the Future (JFF), is a leading advocate for career-connected learning. She recently shared her insights on the growing momentum in this space, highlighting the importance of flexible learning and career-aligned outcomes.

A Shift in the Economy and Student Needs

The economy is shifting, and student needs are evolving. The case for more flexible, career-connected learning has never been stronger. JFF has been working with states to support flexible learning and career-aligned outcomes.

Key Partnerships and Initiatives

• Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning
• Pathways to Prosperity Network
• Texas Regional Pathways Network
• Colorado’s Big Blur initiative

These partnerships and initiatives are helping states design policies and programs that make education more flexible, workforce-relevant, and accessible.

Bipartisan Momentum

Recently, at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting, Maria Flynn joined Governors Tony Evers (D-WI) and Mark Gordon (R-WY) for a conversation on aligning education and workforce systems to meet labor market needs.

• 10 other governors were in attendance
• Bipartisan enthusiasm was clear

The conversation highlighted the growing momentum in career-connected learning and the importance of aligning education and workforce systems to meet labor market needs.

State Models and Innovation

Texas and Colorado are examples of states that are leading the way in career-connected learning.

• Texas Regional Pathways Network
• Colorado’s Big Blur initiative

These states are expanding career pathways that lead to industry-recognized credentials, strengthening education-workforce connections, and providing students with in-demand skills.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s Support

In her confirmation hearing, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stressed the importance of multiple pathways to success in the workforce.

“We need to be open to new pathways to success, and we need to be willing to innovate and experiment with new approaches.” – Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

JFF shares Secretary McMahon’s commitment to expanding career-connected learning.

AI in Career Connected Learning

AI adoption in education and work is accelerating. JFF sees the opportunity in AI and has a Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work.

• AI-powered tutoring
• AI-powered career guidance
• AI-powered digital credentials

The Center believes that if designed, understood, and used correctly, AI can make learning more flexible, career-connected, and accessible.

Preparing the Next Generation for the Jobs of the Future

National competitiveness is a priority for Republicans and Democrats. JFF’s “No Dead Ends” policy agenda emphasizes policies with broad support across both parties.

• Expanding access to industry-aligned educational opportunities
• Improving access to career information
• Encouraging greater public-private partnerships

To address these needs, federal policymakers can take immediate bipartisan actions, such as reauthorizing WIOA and passing the JOBS Act.

Scaling State Models

JFF is increasingly turning to states, which are already leading the charge on career-connected learning.

• Indiana’s Career Scholarship Account program
• Indiana’s youth-apprenticeship program
• Clark County, Nevada’s NV|Forward Initiative

By empowering states to continue this work and aligning federal policy to support and scale their successful models, we can provide every learner with a clear path to good, sustainable employment and strengthen our nation’s global competitiveness.