Rio Salado College's Community Development team recently presented their award-winning work at the League of Innovation in the Community College Conference in March. The award, co-sponsored by the Maricopa Community Colleges (MCCCD) and the League for Innovation, recognizes outstanding innovations that positively impact student education across the MCCCD network.
The presentation highlighted the groundbreaking collaborative career training model Rio developed with the sister community colleges aimed at upskilling adult education students. The innovative approach behind the successful Integrated Education Training (IET) program model supports underprepared learners, helping students earn a high school equivalency diploma through the GED® test or other pathways or improve their English language skills while simultaneously gaining 21st-century employability skills and training for in-demand careers.
An Inside Higher Ed report (2021) emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between noncredit and credit programs in community colleges to achieve greater equity. Rio Salado College's Adult Education program has taken proactive steps to address this challenge through innovative partnerships to create college bridge solutions. These efforts have allowed noncredit adult education students to access and excel in college-level career training programs, thereby contributing to Arizona’s workforce and economic development.
“Rio fills a critical gap in the local workforce ecosystem,” said Elizabeth Cole, Director of Outreach and Partnerships in Community Development. “Our IET programs ensure that students can bridge their education and earn industry credentials that local employers have validated.”
The College was selected as the District Innovation of the Year winner during the 2022-2023 school year, which was celebrated at the 2024 League of Innovation Conference last month.
Watch this video to learn more about Rio’s Innovation of the Year program.
About the League of Innovation
The League of Innovations in the Community College, a key advocate for transformative innovation in higher education, aims to foster institutional excellence and increase student success across colleges and international borders. The Innovation of the Year Awards, established over 35 years ago, celebrate significant achievements and the spirit of innovation that drives the League's mission.
About Rio Salado College’s Adult Education program:
Each year, Rio's adult education classes help thousands of students positively affect their lives. Dedicated to helping students:
- Earn their high school equivalency diploma through the GED® test or other pathways
- Improve English language skills
- Gain essential employability skills
- Train for an exciting career
- Transition to college
Our dedicated instructors, success coaches, college and career navigators, tutors, and staff have helped students reach their individual learning goals, prepare for in-demand careers, and successfully prepare for and transition to college. Click to learn more or register today!
Related Stories:
- Rio Salado College’s adult education program serves as strategic investment in Arizona's future (Phoenix Business Journal)
- Rio Celebrates National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week
- Rio Salado College Receives $1.5 Million Grant to Expand Adult Education and Ensure Student Success Beyond College Completion