Even as college attendance is skyrocketing in other parts of the world, many of America's students face economic and educational barriers preventing them from continuing their education past high school. ICW is committed to breaking down these barriers. Learn more about our current initiatives, latest news, and policy priorities below:
Initiatives »
Skills for America's Future
October 05, 2010
On October 4th, President Obama announced the launch of a new national program, Skills for America's Future, which will focus on public-private partnerships between businesses and community colleges.
Business Champions Inc.
December 08, 2009
ICW, Business Champions, Inc and its other collaborating partners have come together to identify, recruit, and educate business people so they can speak out in support of policies that expand access and success in postsecondary education.
News »
Headline | Postsecondary, Policy | Chronicle of Higher Education
Bipartisan Bill Revives Fight for 'Unit Record' Tracking of Student Data
Posted May 10, 2013
A bipartisan group of lawmakers reopened the fight over a federal "unit record" system on Thursday, introducing legislation in both chambers of Congress that would link individual student records to wage data in an effort to "empower" prospective college students.
E-Newsletter Article | Postsecondary, Policy
How to Prepare for an Avalanche in Higher Ed
Posted March 28, 2013
The Institute for Public Policy Research recently released a report on the impending and current challenges faced by higher education and lays out the implications if educators do not heed these warnings. Escalating costs, increasing displeasure among employers, and rising competition from overseas are a few of the obstacles that confront higher education institutions in the U.S. and UK. “An Avalanche is Coming: Higher Education and the Revolution Ahead” argues that institutional leaders who fight innovation and remain too comfortable with the status quo will ultimately put their institution’s future at risk.
Headline | Postsecondary, Policy | Inside Higher Ed
Reimagining Financial Aid
Posted March 14, 2013
The first results of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s effort to redesign the federal financial aid system are in: 15 white papers totaling 587 pages, nearly all calling for an overhaul of at least part of the nation’s system for helping students pay for college in order to improve graduation rates.
Policy
Postsecondary Education Policy
December 10, 2009
Read the U.S. Chamber's policy position on postsecondary education.
Events »
U.S. News STEM Solutions National Conference
June 17, 2013 to June 19, 2013
U.S. News STEM Solutions 2013 will bring together business, education and government leaders who have long recognized the need to connect the dots between STEM education and careers. Adding to last year’s successful conference format, the second edition will give more dedicated time for these leaders to interact and collaborate.
Annual Summit - Connecting the Dots
September 17, 2013 to September 18, 2013
The Institute for a Competitive Workforce will hold its annual education and workforce summit on September 17 & 18 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. Details to come.
Promising Practices »
Business | NC
Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship Program - A Partnership worth Repeating
January 30, 2013