Achieving the Dream

ATD's Susan Adams explores how Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) is building an institution-wide approach to AI that aligns teaching, workforce needs, and student success.

ATD Network institution CVTC has long made workforce alignment central to its mission. With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the goal remained the same — preparing students for workplace success — but as employers and educators alike grappled with AI’s potential impact, the college found itself rethinking how it engaged employers, prepared faculty, and anticipated emerging workforce needs.

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How Chippewa Valley Technical College developed an AI workforce strategy - Achieving the Dream Serving western Wisconsin through more than 165 programs, certificates, and apprenticeships designed with employer input, ATD Network institution Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) has long made workforce alignment central to its mission. With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI...

Join us in San Antonio for our 2026 K-College Institute!

Hear Keynote Speaker Stephanie Malia Krauss challenge attendees to rethink dual enrollment not simply as a mechanism for earning credits but as a powerful opportunity to help young people build long and happy lives, even in challenging times.

Learn more and register: https://achievingthedream.org/kcollegeinstitute2026/

ATD is proud to announce the Transforming Community College Education Through the Humanities cohort! Funded by the Mellon Foundation, this three-year, cohort-based pilot initiative will support five community colleges in strengthening the role of the humanities as a core component of student learning and institutional impact.

Learn more: https://achievingthedream.org/innovation/transforming-community-college-education-through-the-humanities/

Throughout Community College Month we’re highlighting voices at our Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction! Follow along using .

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/latest/

Throughout Community College Month we’re highlighting voices at our Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction! Follow along using .

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/latest/

Through our Teaching That Transforms spotlights, we feature faculty who are creating meaningful learning experiences that help students see themselves — and their potential — in the classroom. In this Q&A, Thomas King, professor of communication and theatre and program coordinator for theatre at Southwest Tennessee Community College, shares how his approach to teaching builds connection, encourages ownership of learning, and helps students recognize what they are capable of achieving.

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/thomas-king-southwest-tn/

Throughout Community College Month we’re highlighting voices at our Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction! Follow along using hashtag

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/latest/

During Community College Month, Achieving the Dream is spotlighting voices from its Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction — exemplary institutions leading the way in advancing student success.

Our Leaders Listen spotlights center the perspectives of college leaders who are working to ensure that student voices actively shape institutional priorities, policies, and practices. In this blog, we hear from Dr. David May, president of Bellevue College (Washington), whose reflections underscore the importance of designing systems that truly reflect the realities of students’ lives — and the responsibility of leadership to respond when they don’t.

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/leaders-listen-bellevue-colleges-president-david-may-on-designing-for-student-reality/

As DREAM 2026 draws to a close, our final plenary elevates student voices and reflects on how identity, belonging, and resilience shape student success. Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, a Kiowa Tribal Citizen and professor at the University of Oklahoma, offers a grounding reflection on how culture and belonging must be woven into institutional practice. The session also featured our 2026 DREAM Scholars sharing their thoughts and insights in a panel discussion led by Francesca I. Carpenter and Denice Frohman!

Before DREAM 2026 ends, we want to thank all of our sponsors, especially Element451, Ascendium, Bank of America, Gates Foundation, and Ellucian! The support of all of our sponsors made DREAM 2026 a success, we couldn't have done it without you, and we hope to see you next year!