Urban-serving, Public Research University: Continuing Education Capacity Building and Developing Learning Networks within Communities

Abstract: The need to prepare new workers to fill talent gaps provides opportunity for workforce development strategies emphasizing outreach for underserved communities. This presentation discusses Cleveland State University’s new strategic plan for the Division of Continuing Education that holds economic inclusion and equal access to competency-based education as its guiding principles. Target Audience (100 words allowed/85 words) University Continuing Education (CE) programs are an essential keystone in the field of adult and continuing education, and CE programs in partnership with urban communities and local organizations can provide avenues to develop lifelong learning networks. The targeted audience for this session are those who are planning or leading university CE programs, those who teach in CE/workforce development programs, community organizations who partner with university or other CE programs, and others who are interested in learning more about university partnerships that support CE programs.