News Summary
In a significant initiative to enhance digital workforce skills, six higher education institutions have each received $25,000. This funding, announced at the NACCE conference in Coronado, aims to align educational programs with local labor market needs. The grant will support an 18-month program that includes technical assistance, coaching, and access to a digital learning platform. The collaboration between NACCE and Maker USA highlights a commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and preparing students for the evolving job market, thereby strengthening regional economies.
Coronado, California
Six higher education institutions have been awarded $25,000 each as part of a new initiative aimed at enhancing digital workforce skills in the United States. This announcement was made during the annual conference of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) held in Coronado, California, in October 2025.
The total funding of $250,000 came from the Infosys Foundation USA, which aims to support innovative programs that equip students and adult learners with essential digital skills. The colleges selected for this initiative include Coppin State University (MD), Foothill College (CA), Gateway Community College (AZ), Houston City College (TX), Ivy Tech Community College (IN), and North Iowa Area Community College (IA).
The funding will facilitate an 18-month program that not only provides financial support but also technical assistance, one-on-one coaching, monthly focus group meetings, mentoring opportunities, and student-driven data analysis. Additionally, participants will benefit from peer learning through the Infosys Springboard digital learning platform.
The primary goal of the initiative is to align digital workforce initiatives with the specific needs of local and regional labor markets. To aid in this alignment, NACCE has partnered with Maker USA, which will offer technical consulting and connect the cohort with a network of over 40 institutions and organizations dedicated to inclusive maker education.
Program Details and Objectives
The program has various criteria for grant selection, focusing on essential components such as college readiness, sustainability, collaboration with community stakeholders, and responsiveness to workforce demands. The colleges chosen demonstrated a capacity to improve their digital workforce programs and set realistic metrics for tracking outcomes effectively.
Kate Maloney, the Executive Director of Infosys Foundation USA, expressed pride in supporting education that prepares students for a digital economy. The initiative is designed to make future-ready learning more accessible, thereby strengthening the overall workforce.
NACCE is recognized as a leader in community college entrepreneurship education in North America, working to empower colleges in facilitating job creation and entrepreneurship. Integral to this program is SkillPointe, an online career exploration technology platform aimed at helping individuals discover training and certification opportunities in skilled trades.
Furthermore, grantees will gain access to an extensive repository featuring about 11,000 interactive learning modules. This repository includes modules focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity, equipping students with relevant skills for the contemporary job market.
Conclusion and Future Directions
This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening digital workforce capabilities in various regions across the United States. By providing funds and resources to these selected colleges, the program aims to foster meaningful collaborations with community stakeholders and ensure that educational offerings are closely aligned with occupational requirements. The focus on upskilling and reskilling through innovative learning platforms highlights a commitment to preparing communities for the evolving demands of the workforce.
Overall, the National Digital Workforce Innovation Program, backed by Infosys Foundation USA and NACCE, stands as a vital effort to enhance learning opportunities and support economic growth through digital education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Six U.S. Colleges Receive $25,000 Each for Digital Skills Initiative
Six Colleges Receive Grants for Digital Upskilling Initiatives
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Digital Workforce
- Cape Cod Times
- Google Search: Digital Workforce Skills
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
