Revolutionizing Higher Education for Working Learners in a Rapidly Evolving World with Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation Episode 159 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 32 MIN

Revolutionizing Higher Education for Working Learners in a Rapidly Evolving World with Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation Episode 159

from The Future Of Work

The demographic of students in California is changing and education must change with it. Dr. Salvatrice Cummo is joined by Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, to unpack the challenges facing a massive and underrepresented sector of today's learners—students primarily over the age of 25 who are working at the same time as attending school. They cover the impact of outdated educational models, the rapid pace of technological change, and the urgent need for flexibility and employer partnerships. Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on disrupting tradition and embracing true urgency in reimagining the future of work and learning. You'll learn: How institutions can remain relevant as learners seek education that directly fuels economic mobility. What the demographics of higher education students look like today and why constant re-skilling and up-leveling is a requirement for the current workforce. How community colleges can better personalize learning experiences to fit the needs of diverse students, rather than relying on "one size fits all" approaches. How to address the unique challenges facing working learners who juggle multiple responsibilities along with their education. About the Guest: Eloy Ortiz Oakley is an American educator, leader, and advisor. He is the President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, where he leads California's premiere philanthropic and post-secondary success organization focused on improving economic mobility for underserved learners through the lever post-secondary credential attainment. Previously, he served as Chancellor of the California Community Colleges for six years, leading the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. He is considered a leading voice on improving equity in higher education and positioning institutions for the global shifts in the workforce and the future of learning. Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Eloy Ortiz Oakley & College Futures Foundation: LinkedIn: @Eloy Oakley & @College Futures Instagram & Twitter: @collegefutures Website: https://collegefutures.org/ Partner with us! Contact our host, Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected] Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

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Revolutionizing Higher Education for Working Learners in a Rapidly Evolving World with Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation Episode 159

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