Forsyth Tech Selected for National Employer Partnerships Initiative

Forsyth Tech News  |  Workforce Partnerships

Forsyth Technical Community College and Greater Winston-Salem Inc. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, have been selected as one of eight community college–chamber teams nationwide for the Sustainable College-Employer Partnerships initiative. Over the next two and a half years, the partners will work with local employers to strengthen employer partnerships, expand work-based learning and build clearer pathways from the classroom to careers.

What the employer partnerships initiative does

The Sustainable College-Employer Partnerships initiative strengthens collaboration between community colleges and local chambers of commerce so education lines up with workforce demand. The initiative also aims to expand work-based learning opportunities and build stronger pathways to employment.

Achieving the Dream leads the effort. ATD is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping community colleges transform to promote student success and community vibrancy. ATD works in partnership with the ACCE Foundation, and JPMorganChase supports the initiative.

“No single organization can solve workforce challenges alone,” said Lenore Rodicio, Ph.D., president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “When community colleges, chambers of commerce and employers work together, they can build stronger pathways from education to employment that benefit learners, businesses and communities alike. Through our partnership with the ACCE Foundation, we look forward to supporting these relationships as they develop sustainable models that can serve as examples for colleges across the country.”

What Forsyth Tech and Greater Winston-Salem Inc. will do

Forsyth Tech and Greater Winston-Salem Inc. will work with participating employers to identify regional workforce needs and shape education and training strategies. Together, they will expand opportunities for students to gain work-based experience and connect with careers.

Throughout the initiative, the two organizations will receive individualized coaching and technical assistance from ATD and the ACCE Foundation. They will also take part in virtual and in-person peer learning and put strategies in place to strengthen long-term employer partnerships.

“Vision 2030 challenges us to be Future-Ready by Design, and that means building education and workforce pathways in close partnership with the people and organizations shaping our region’s economy. This initiative will help us deepen our work with Greater Winston-Salem Inc. and local employers so students have clearer connections from learning to meaningful careers, and businesses have access to the skilled talent they need to grow.”

President Janet Spriggs, Forsyth Tech

Which industries the national cohort covers

Across the national cohort, the work spans six industries: aviation, defense, advanced manufacturing, business, healthcare and cybersecurity/IT.

Many of these sectors are priorities for the JPMorganChase Security and Resiliency Initiative (SRI), a $1.5 trillion, 10-year plan to strengthen industries critical to national security and economic resilience. In addition to mobilizing capital, the SRI aims to help address the workforce shortages constraining production and innovation in key sectors.

How the initiative builds on Forsyth Works

The initiative builds on deep collaboration that already exists between Forsyth Tech and Greater Winston-Salem Inc., the 2024 ACCE Chamber of the Year. Under the umbrella of Forsyth Works, the two organizations already operate multiple programs together.

Those programs include customized training and economic expansion assistance for growing companies, enrollment acceptance for Senior Academy and the co-location of the Chamber and the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center in downtown Winston-Salem.

“A strong workforce pipeline is the number one need for employers making location decisions and the number one opportunity for those seeking to grow in their careers or enter the workforce. We are proud of our work with Forsyth Tech to align education pathways and employer needs, and excited about the opportunity to further strengthen those efforts in this program,” said Mark Owens, president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sustainable College-Employer Partnerships initiative?

The Sustainable College-Employer Partnerships initiative strengthens collaboration between community colleges and local chambers of commerce to align education with workforce demand, expand work-based learning and build stronger pathways to employment. Achieving the Dream (ATD) leads it in partnership with the ACCE Foundation, with support from JPMorganChase.

How many teams were selected for the initiative?

Eight community college–chamber teams were selected nationwide, including Forsyth Tech and Greater Winston-Salem Inc.

How long will Forsyth Tech take part in the initiative?

Forsyth Tech and Greater Winston-Salem Inc. will work with participating employers over the next two and a half years.

What support will Forsyth Tech and Greater Winston-Salem Inc. receive?

The partners will receive individualized coaching and technical assistance from ATD and the ACCE Foundation and will take part in virtual and in-person peer learning opportunities.

Which industries does the national cohort focus on?

Across the cohort, the work spans six industries: aviation, defense, advanced manufacturing, business, healthcare and cybersecurity/IT.