ACCE: Seven Communities Selected For New Business/Community College Partnership

Program Will Increase Access to High-Quality Credentials for Adults of Color

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) announced seven communities will participate in its new Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort program, an 18-month program to help us strengthen chamber of commerce partnerships with community colleges and community organizations to increase the number of adult learners of color who earn an industry-relevant credential or degree.

“We are grateful for Lumina Foundation’s continued support for the catalytic leadership chambers of commerce provide in the communities they serve,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Strong cross-sector partnerships are crucial to addressing workforce challenges, building resilient local economies and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.” 

Partnerships between chambers of commerce and community colleges have the potential to significantly increase the number of adult learners of color completing high-quality, relevant short-term credentials and degrees. Given the current spotlight on upskilling and the resources that are being reallocated to fund short-term credentials, now is the time to capitalize on the potential for these partnerships.

“The nation’s community colleges serve more than five million students annually in workforce training programs that lead to meaningful employment,” said Walter G. Bumphus, AACC president and CEO.  “This national partnership will provide a model that can be scaled across the country to benefit local employment pipelines and students. It is a win-win for students and communities, and we are grateful for the opportunity provided by Lumina and proud to partner with ACCE on this important work.”

To support the development of these partnerships, and to increase the number of workers with in-demand credentials and degrees, Lumina has provided a grant to jumpstart progress. The ACCE Foundation (ACCEF) and AACC identified a virtual cohort of teams from seven cities or regions. Each team will be comprised of a chamber, a community college partner and an organization that directly represents minority communities. The selected partnerships include:

• Aurora, Illinois
  • Chamber: Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Community College: Waubonsee Community College
  • Community Partner: Quad County Urban League
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Chamber: Chattanooga Chamber Foundation/Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Community College: Chattanooga State Community College
  • Community Partners: Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, CHI Memorial Hospital and the City of Chattanooga
• Cleveland, Ohio
  • Chamber: Greater Cleveland Partnership
  • Community College: Cuyahoga Community College
  • Community Partner: Urban League of Greater Cleveland
• Des Moines, Iowa
  • Chamber: Greater Des Moines Partnership
  • Community College: Des Moines Area Community College Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families
  • Community Partner: The Directors Council
• Fargo, North Dakota
  • Chamber: Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
  • Community Colleges: Minnesota State Community and Technical College, North Dakota State College of Science
  • Community Partner: Kurdish American Development Organization
• North Central Massachusetts
  • Chamber: North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
  • Community College: Mount Wachusett Community College
  • Community Partner: Spanish American Center
• Tallahassee, Florida
  • Chamber: Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
  • Community College: Tallahassee Community College
  • Community Partner: City of Tallahassee

A designated representative from each partner organization will make up the leadership team and participate in the program. The program will consist of monthly virtual convenings, access to national subject matter experts and customized technical assistance to help each community identify the barriers to credential attainment and create quick-win solutions to address those challenges. The teams will also create a strategy for longer-term collaboration to build their momentum after the grant period ends.

During the program and beyond, ACCEF and AACC will showcase the work of the cohort and share successful strategies and outcomes with the broader chamber of commerce and community college audiences.