WGU Labs

?? Calling All Mission-Aligned Entrepreneurs! ?? Are you a startup driving innovation in higher education? The second annual WGU Labs Accelerator Pitch Competition is your chance to make a transformative impact and take your vision to the next level. In collaboration with Western Governors University, we’re seeking for-profit startups focused on improving postsecondary education and workforce outcomes. This year, we’ve doubled the prize to maximize our impact on the future of learning and work. The Winner Receives: ?? $100,000 cash investment (for equity) from the WGU Labs Fund ?? $50,000 in services from the WGU Labs Accelerator ?? A paid pilot with WGU worth up to $50,000 Apply starting Dec 5 and showcase your vision to industry leaders and investors. https://lnkd.in/gKmk2cMy

GenAI is already having a profound impact on the labor market, per a recent Harvard Business Review article. Emerging trends include: ?? Task Automation: GenAI is automating routine and repetitive tasks, particularly in knowledge-based professions such as administrative, clerical, and data-driven roles. ?? Reshaping Job Responsibilities: Workers are seeing significant changes in the scope and nature of their work, with many tasks becoming augmented or replaced by AI technologies. ?? Greater Impact on Knowledge Workers: Contrary to expectations, GenAI is affecting knowledge-based roles more than manual labor, with a strong influence on clerical and white-collar jobs. ??♀? Disproportionate Impact on Women: Women, who dominate many administrative and clerical roles, are likely to experience a higher degree of disruption due to GenAI. ?? Shift in Skill Demand: Employers are increasingly valuing AI-related skills, leading to a need for upskilling and reskilling workers to remain competitive. ?? Policy and Ethical Challenges: The rapid adoption of GenAI raises concerns about workforce equity, ethical AI use, and the need for regulatory frameworks to manage its integration. At WGU Labs, we believe these trends will ultimately require workers to continually learn new skills as their roles and responsibilities shift over time. https://lnkd.in/gAHHNN27

"If someone says that they're not looking for a degree, you have to look at what they want you to do because it just seems like they're going to give you crap work," Ranji McMillan, a 42-year-old without a bachelor’s degree who has been looking for work for almost two years despite having over a decade of relevant work experience, told Business Insider. McMillan is one of millions of U.S. workers confronting the paper ceiling. Only about 36% of people 25 and older in the U.S. had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2023, according to the Census Bureau. While more employers are removing degree requirements for some jobs, most haven't changed their hiring practices. A study from The Burning Glass Institute and Harvard Business School found that hiring for skills or experience rather than formal education accounted for just one in 700 hires in 2023. Indeed CEO Chris Hyams told BI that for many jobs, employers simply default to the degree "because it's the easiest and laziest filter.” https://lnkd.in/gHmEQWiN At WGU Labs, we believe that skills-based hiring is a win-win for both employers and employees. However, the U.S. Department of Education forecasts that by 2027, 70% of jobs will require schooling or training beyond high school. That’s why we also believe higher education must be reimagined to better serve today’s learners, offering accessible, transformative opportunities to equip workers with the skills needed for the future. Our latest white paper dives deeper into these trends (https://lnkd.in/g-B72SUd).

Despite facing significant barriers, the majority of Black, Latino, and Indigenous learners acknowledge the worth of a college degree for social and economic mobility, according to a new Pell Institute report. But these students face acute challenges such as paying for basic needs, balancing learning with family and work obligations, mental health struggles, and a lack of a sense of belonging. The report suggests 13 ways to enhance the educational experience for BIPOC students, including increasing support systems, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering inclusive environments to improve their academic success and overall well-being. Read more via Inside Higher Ed https://lnkd.in/g3ZVHkS3

AI's rapid evolution is pushing the education and workforce sectors into a phase of intense experimentation, or the "play era." This period of trial and error is likened to a learning phase, where even temporary solutions contribute to long-term understanding. While some early adopters are embracing AI, many institutions lack urgency in their approach, risking missed opportunities in shaping future educational and workforce practices. A recent WorkShift explainer highlights the four biggest trends that have emerged from early adopters: 1?? More targeted tools are emerging for learning and work, and costs are coming down. The big challenge now — and likely into the future — isn’t so much access to tools for lower-income learners and workers but access to know-how. 2?? Growing numbers of colleges and universities are experimenting with AI, often with Big Tech as guides. 3?? New partnerships are cropping up with an eye toward shaping AI’s longer-term, systemic impact — especially around data and navigation. Other areas of focus include teaching and learning, student support, and AI policy. 4??The federal government, think tanks, and philanthropy are pushing for a more prominent “worker voice” as AI continues to roll out across society. https://lnkd.in/gdTMek3X P.S. If you’re looking for more early insights on the impact of AI on learning, keep an eye on our [work in] Progress series: https://lnkd.in/gat3Hmpm

The journey to transform education is filled with opportunities — and challenges. At WGU Labs, we’ve worked alongside dozens of EdTech innovators, learning invaluable lessons along the way. In our latest blog post, we’re sharing 6 essential lessons for EdTech founders: ? Insights into scaling effectively ? Strategies to prioritize learners while achieving business goals ? Common pitfalls to avoid when navigating the EdTech space Whether you’re building the next big thing in education or investing in the future of learning, these lessons can provide the edge you need to succeed. https://lnkd.in/ghDxNP-2

College is costly. It’s no surprise that the majority (68%) of students work for pay while enrolled, with 41% working over 40 hours weekly. Research from Emmanuel College (Boston) highlights the challenges faced by students who work full-time while attending college. Although working students may gain practical skills, those who work over 20 hours a week often experience negative academic outcomes, including lower grades and higher dropout rates. To help them balance work and academic responsibilities effectively, colleges need to provide more support for these students, such as flexible scheduling and tailored advising. Via Inside Higher Ed https://lnkd.in/gPYJgUFn

Interested in shifting your program or institution to a competency-based education (CBE) model? In our new CBE Crash Course series, Senior Design Writer Angela Lankford breaks down the basics. Lesson 1 outlines the main differences between CBE and traditional instruction. https://lnkd.in/g75mHJdq?

At Western Governors University, we recognize that many adults face #career challenges shaped by early socio-economic disadvantages, limited education, and systemic barriers. In particular, "Rising Talent" – often women, people of color, and single parents – encounter obstacles that hinder career growth, from limited digital skills to a lack of access to resources and mentorship. #WGU is committed to creating pathways for these talented individuals to build resilient, sustainable careers. Through affordable, accessible online degree programs and targeted support, we’re equipping students with the digital and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. We're dedicated to closing opportunity gaps and helping all learners?reach their full potential, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. A huge shoutout to WGU Labs for their insightful blog on this critical topic! Their research sheds light on the factors impacting low-resilient careers and how institutions like WGU can make a difference. Check it out and learn more about how we’re supporting #RisingTalent! https://lnkd.in/giRMrfch #ResilientCareers #OpportunityForAll #HigherEducation #WGU #WGULabs

Rural America faces a significant risk of losing young workers due to limited access to technology, educational resources, and career advancement opportunities, according to a new report from the Center on Rural Innovation and the University of Phoenix Career Institute. Lack of access to broadband and personal computers has limited rural residents’ ability to pursue remote work or upskill in fields like AI. This lack of access has led many young rural workers to consider relocating, with 69% of respondents expressing interest in moving for better opportunities. Our recent research on Rising Talent (https://lnkd.in/dbHjAw_P) revealed that limited tech access is highly correlated with becoming trapped in low-wage jobs that offer few opportunities for economic mobility. A collaborative approach from governments, employers, and educational institutions is needed to bridge these gaps and retain talent in rural communities. Read more via WorkingNation: https://lnkd.in/eakbKNYa