On International Workers’ Day, we recognize both the contributions of workers and the history behind the day. Emerging from the movement for fair working conditions, May 1 reflects a legacy of empowerment and the role of education in expanding opportunity. Wishing you a meaningful weekend.

Sustainability takes root in the city. At San Diego City College, students engage in hands-on initiatives that connect environmental stewardship with real-world learning. Closing the League’s Earth Day series of spotlights celebrating our planet. https://tinyurl.com/59phcjp7

Entry-level roles are changing, and the path from college to career is less predictable. On May 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT), the League and EAB will explore how institutions can strengthen career readiness. https://bit.ly/3QFqMRa

As summer approaches, it can be a practical time to focus on growth. The League for Innovation AI Fellows Summer Bootcamp (Cohort 6) is now open. An 8-week program where community college leaders build and apply AI skills through hands-on project work. May 14 – July 2 https://tinyurl.com/t99y9yw9

Community colleges are navigating rapid change across technology, workforce demands, and student needs. This campus guide from AACC offers a practical starting point—supporting campus conversations, helping teams assess priorities, and plan next steps. https://tinyurl.com/27ackk6x

Resilience is more than recovery. It’s preparation. This Learning Abstract highlights how community colleges connect sustainability, workforce development, and community impact. Part of the League’s Earth Day 2026 series. https://tinyurl.com/35kf3ane https://theseedcenter.org/

Community colleges are helping to shape the future workforce through training, talent development, and partnerships with industry. This Innovatus article explores how those efforts are creating stronger pathways into high-demand careers. https://tinyurl.com/mv2dpjpj

A quieter note to close the week. “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.” — Walt Whitman Local efforts take root and grow outward, strengthening communities. Enjoy your weekend. 🍃✨ #EarthDay2026

Registration is now open for Cohort 7 of the League AI Fellows program. Move from AI fundamentals to implementing a real, high-impact initiative on your campus. 📅 September 10–December 3 🔗 https://www.league.org/web-page/league-ai-fellows-cohort-7-schedule

Compost becomes a classroom. “Compost Kid” at Delta College shows how experimental design can introduce students to sustainability through hands-on learning. Part of the League’s Earth Week series highlighting real-world inquiry. https://tinyurl.com/4dhz6nbt

In a 2010 League interview, Ed Begley Jr. highlighted clean air, clean water, and practical action. Many of those priorities remain today. On Earth Day, community colleges continue the work through education and workforce training. https://tinyurl.com/3ha7x34e

Talent gaps are often the result of how systems are designed. In Leadership Abstracts, Lorain County Community College explores how practices can reinforce these gaps and how career design can better align education with workforce needs. https://tinyurl.com/3dsz5fmp

What does student engagement look like in the age of AI? When final outputs no longer tell the full story, the learning process matters more than ever. Join us to explore how behavioral signals reveal real effort. April 22 | 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET https://tinyurl.com/5t3z2b8v

Higher education is under pressure from policy, perception, & shifting views of its value. In Innovatus, Dr. Carrie B. Kisker outlines three paths forward: connection, resistance, and innovation—helping community colleges protect their mission and serve the public good. https://tinyurl.com/mrte45tk

Spring has a way of bringing things into focus. As the semester continues, campuses are busy with the day-to-day work of supporting students and helping them move forward. Wishing you a restful weekend from the League.

From exploration to application. AI Hub continues May 6: Custom AI Chatbot Tutor for General Biology 2:00 PM ET https://www.league.org/ai-hub

Much of the workforce development work happening in community colleges is already in place, yet often goes unseen. The Hidden Innovation Infrastructure (HII) research project highlights how colleges align student goals with regional economies. https://sites.rutgers.edu/eerc-hii/

This weekend, we celebrate National Pet Day 🐶😸 Vet Techs play a vital role in animal health, with strong demand nationwide. Many are trained through community college programs, creating pathways into meaningful careers. Wishing you a wonderful weekend—and give your pet an extra hug.

How do institutions move from intention to practice? Seattle Colleges explores a cohort-based model that creates space for dialogue, reflection, and application—supporting educators as they strengthen anti-bias competency over time. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/p4was975

This week’s Innovatus feature explores leadership during disruption. Joe Abraham outlines a practical 90-day framework to help college leaders reclaim momentum and guide their institutions through change. https://tinyurl.com/2s495zsr

From practical application to targeted use—AI Hub continues May 6. https://www.league.org/ai-hub

Student success extends beyond the classroom. A featured iStream webinar explores how institutions can integrate wellness, belonging, and support into a campus-wide approach that strengthens engagement and persistence. April 16, 1:00–2:00 PM ET https://tinyurl.com/mupbt4ks

⏳ Final reminder: Innovation of the Year Awards nominations close today, April 6. These awards recognize innovative programs and practices across League member institutions. Learn more and submit a nomination: https://www.league.org/ioy

April marks Community College Month. Community colleges prepare the workforce that keeps our communities running. Wishing you a productive weekend. #CCMonth #SmartestFirstStep #StrongestNextStep #SkillsForTheFuture #CommunityCollegeWorks @CCTrustees

What anchors an institution when everything around it is shifting? In the spring edition of Innovatus, Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee argues that mission—not momentum—should guide decision-making during periods of disruption. https://tinyurl.com/mr2dpxpc

⏳ Final reminder: Innovation of the Year Awards nominations close April 6. These awards recognize innovative programs and practices across League member institutions. Learn more and submit a nomination: https://www.league.org/ioy

Recognizing the 2026 Terry O’Banion Provocateur Award recipients. The award honors leaders who challenge conventional thinking and advance new ideas across community and technical education. Kate Smith, Ed.D. Lim See Yew, Ph.D. https://tinyurl.com/3ty9pcch https://tinyurl.com/2j33eaxz

One week out: April 8 AI Hub Webinar Making AI Work for You: Custom Instructions and Beyond Free for League members. Registration required. Not recorded. 🔗 https://www.league.org/ai-hub

Student access is central to the work of community colleges. League projects have approached access from basic needs to workforce pathways. Access isn’t only about entry, but what supports persistence and progress. https://www.league.org/projects-access

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we recognize the many women leading community colleges. From the presidency to the cabinet and across campus, their work expands access and supports student success. Wishing you a purposeful weekend.

After his keynote at the 2026 Innovations Conference, Michael Gavin shares insights in Innovatus on leading through change in community colleges. The article explores how leaders can build more agile, innovative institutions. Read the article: https://tinyurl.com/5n8uvmnc

Why do students leave college? Two CCRC researchers compared findings from different studies and heard many of the same stories. Their conversation offers a closer look at what colleges can do to support persistence—and return. https://tinyurl.com/2dru2yza

Innovative ideas are shaping the future of community colleges. The Innovation of the Year Awards recognize programs and practices that strengthen student success and institutional excellence. 📅 Nominations open through April 6 https://www.league.org/ioy

Next in the AI Hub series: April 8 Making AI Work for You: Custom Instructions and Beyond A practical session on improving how AI tools respond—so outputs are more relevant and aligned with your work. Free for League members. Not recorded. https://www.league.org/ai-hub

In the days following the Innovations Conference, we’re reminded that the work of innovation continues across the League community. Thank you to all who contribute—through ideas, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success. Wishing you a restful weekend.

AI Hub Webinar | April 8 Learn how to use custom instructions to improve results, align outputs with your work, and apply AI more effectively in real settings. Free for League members. Not recorded. https://www.league.org/ai-hub

As the Innovations Conference concludes, the Spring 2026 issue of Innovatus offers thoughtful reading. College presidents, researchers, and industry leaders examine how institutions are navigating disruption while staying focused on mission and student success. https://tinyurl.com/84a6cz

Day 4 of #INN26INDY. The conference closed with Dr. Mary Spilde’s keynote and the League Awards Celebration. Thank you to Ivy Tech Community College, our host college, and to everyone who made this week meaningful.

Community colleges lead innovation every day — in programs, partnerships, and student success initiatives. The League’s Innovation of the Year Awards recognize institutions whose work is making a meaningful impact. 📅 Nominations close April 6 https://www.league.org/ioy

Day 3 of #INN26INDY focused on putting innovation into practice. Sessions explored AI, student success, and workforce alignment across community colleges. The day concluded with the League Awards Reception, honoring this year’s award recipients. Closing General Session tomorrow.

Day 2 in Indianapolis featured keynote insights from France Hoang, co-founder and CEO of BoodleBox. The League also honored the Terry O’Banion Provocateur Award winners: Kate Smith (Rio Salado College) and Lim See Yew (ITE College Central, Singapore). More to come! #INN26INDY

The Spring 2026 issue of Innovatus explores how community college leaders are navigating disruption while staying focused on culture, mission, and student success. Read the new issue: https://tinyurl.com/84a6cz

Day 1 of the 2026 Innovations Conference has come to a close in Indianapolis. Community college professionals connected through ideas and shared innovative work across campuses. Participants are now gathering for the evening reception as conversations continue. More ahead tomorrow. #INN26INDY

Safe travels to all heading to Innovations 2026. We look forward to gathering in Indianapolis to share ideas and celebrate the work advancing community colleges nationwide. To Indianapolis and beyond. #INN26INDY #CommunityColleges

📣 Innovation of the Year Awards nominations are now open through April 6. Open to League member institutions, these awards recognize community college programs advancing student success, workforce alignment, and institutional excellence. Learn more: https://www.league.org/ioy

Member Spotlight: Foothill College Foothill College is cultivating innovation through “culture pods” — small cross-functional teams that help move ideas from inquiry to implementation across the institution. https://tinyurl.com/mrn4t7hb

March 2026 League publications are now available. This month’s issues explore employee connectedness, labor market–driven pathways, and new models connecting apprenticeship with academic credentials. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/4np3fmem

Wings up for the League team as we head to Indianapolis for the 2026 Innovations Conference! We look forward to seeing everyone soon. If you’re posting from the conference, use #INN26INDY and follow updates from @InnovationsConf on X and @LeagueInn on Facebook.

There is an old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. After a long winter across much of the country, the early days of March remind us that the seasons are always turning and spring is not far away. Wishing everyone a restful weekend.

AI terminology can feel overwhelming — even for those building the technology. This plain-language guide from BoodleBox introduces key AI concepts for community college educators. Guide: https://tinyurl.com/ywvktn7v AI Hub webinars: https://www.league.org/ai-hub