A State Leader in Higher Education Expands Workforce Partnerships

The Challenge

After a decade of success in promoting college access and attainment, this organization was ready to tackle the challenge of college completion and workforce alignment. However, fragmentation across K-12, higher education, and workforce systems made collaboration difficult. They needed a team with the expertise to align stakeholders, create a clear strategy, and drive execution.

The Solution

Handled partnered with the organization’s senior leaders to develop and execute a bold new strategy connecting education and workforce systems. Key efforts included:

• Conducting 30+ stakeholder interviews across the state and nationally to assess system connections.

• Facilitating the first-ever Educated Workforce Summit, bringing together key partners to shape the strategy.

• Leading multiple regional convenings to ensure strong input and buy-in from stakeholders.

Hundreds of stakeholders contributed to shaping a strategy that was unanimously approved by the organization’s Board of Directors—a testament to the collective effort and vision behind it.

The Results

• Developed a unified strategy connecting education and workforce systems statewide.

• Engaged hundreds of stakeholders, creating a broad coalition of committed partners.

• Successfully launched key initiatives, setting the stage for long-term impact.

Looking Forward

As implementation continues, this organization is driving lasting change in how the state prepares students for the workforce. With a strong foundation and growing momentum, they are expanding partnerships, strengthening system alignment, and ensuring more students have access to workforce opportunities.