National Initiative to Embed Employer Projects into Community College Workforce Programs

ACCT and Google.org partner to scale virtual, project-based learning at 20 colleges nationwide

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:17am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has launched a three-year initiative, supported by Google.org, to integrate virtual, project-based work-based learning into short-term workforce training programs at 20 community colleges across the country. The initiative aims to equip community colleges to embed real-world employer projects directly into coursework, helping students gain in-demand skills and professional experience without the barriers of traditional internships.

Why it matters

As the economy becomes increasingly driven by AI and technological change, community colleges are uniquely positioned to help workers navigate this workforce transition. This initiative will build the capacity of community colleges to deliver high-quality experiential learning that directly connects students with employers, ensuring graduates are prepared with the real-world skills and credentials needed for today's job market.

The details

The initiative will focus on high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, manufacturing, business, and emerging tech. Through virtual, employer-designed projects embedded into coursework, thousands of students - including working adults, first-generation learners, and those balancing jobs and family - will gain skills, experience, and exposure to employers. Riipen, an experiential learning platform, will provide the technology and industry network to enable colleges to integrate these employer projects. Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Center for Project-Based Learning will lead instructor development and faculty support.

  • The initiative will launch in fall 2026, with college recruitment beginning in spring 2026.
  • In July 2026, Congress approved legislation authorizing the use of federal Pell Grants for workforce-aligned short-term programs.

The players

Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)

A non-profit educational organization representing over 6,500 trustees governing more than 1,000 community, technical, and junior colleges nationwide.

Google.org

The philanthropic arm of Google that is providing support for this initiative.

Riipen

A leading marketplace platform that connects students with real-world projects from employers, which will provide the technology and industry network for the initiative.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Center for Project-Based Learning

The organization that will lead instructor development and faculty support for the initiative.

Jee Hang Lee

President and CEO of ACCT.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The rapid pace of technological change and an increasingly AI-driven economy demand a new approach to workforce preparation. Community colleges—deeply rooted in their regions and closely connected to employer needs—are uniquely positioned to help learners and workers navigate this workforce transition.”

— Jee Hang Lee, President and CEO of ACCT (PRNewswire)

“In an increasingly volatile economy, community colleges are already on the front lines of workforce preparation and uniquely situated to help workers navigate a rapidly shifting labor market. This is about ensuring students graduate with hands-on and real-world work experience that matters in an AI-driven economy.”

— Dr. Mara Woody, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Riipen (PRNewswire)

“We know that project-based learning transforms education. By equipping instructors with proven strategies, we're helping community colleges deliver high-impact experiences that align with workforce needs.”

— Professor Kristin Wobbe, Director of the Center for Project-Based Learning at WPI (PRNewswire)

What’s next

Interested community colleges can learn more and register for updates at www.acct.org/center-for-policy-practice, with applications opening in spring 2026.

The takeaway

This initiative will empower community colleges to better prepare students for the demands of an AI-driven economy by embedding real-world, employer-designed projects directly into workforce training programs, ensuring graduates gain the skills, experience, and connections needed to thrive in today's job market.