Center for 21st Century Innovation & Workforce Development

The COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis and systemic racial inequities in the workforce have changed the way people learn, work, communicate and live. Responding to the region’s workforce needs is critical for the survival of our communities.

The Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development works to build and advance an interconnected 21st-century workforce development ecosystem that responds to the new reality of the COVID-19 digital landscape, systemic racial inequities, occupational segregation and displaced workers through stackable trainings, certificates, credentials and credits that articulate into career and college pathways. The pathways approach may prompt government, education and industry leaders to assess the condition of these pathways and work collectively to enable and strengthen them.

The Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development offers:

Credentials
Certificates
Apprenticeship programs
Innovative program delivery
Professional development
Trainings and workshop series

A man stands behind a woman at a computer screen in a workforce development class with other students around them. — College Students At Computers In Technology Class

The Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub for Early Childhood Education

Launched in 2018, The Apprenticeship HUB at Carlow was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor as the state’s first four-year early childhood apprenticeship program. The Apprenticeship Hub provides support to help current childcare workers attain degrees. The program is designed to: (pick up existing copy)

In October 2022, Carlow are received the single largest grant in its history — $12 million – which will endow The Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub for Early Childhood Education at Carlow for the benefit of future generations.

Reduce workforce barriers to credential and degree attainment
Diversify the early childhood workforce pipeline
Elevate the quality of child care as evidenced through higher STARS ratings

Increase higher quality caregiver interactions
Elevate scores on environmental rating scales through coordinating the efforts of key stakeholders and providing targeted apprenticeship supports

Highlights and benefits of the program include:

Two tracks: Early Development and Learning; Early Childhood Education with Pre-K Certification Preparation
Up to 24 credits for on-the-job learning
On-site and online courses one night a week at a Carlow location
Coaching by on-site coaches and mentorship by University supervisors
Free access to a professional lending library of course materials, textbooks and digital media tools

Ability to borrow early childhood materials and resources
Free early childhood professional development required by Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)
Free tutoring and career and academic support services for support in coursework and preparation for required certification tests

For more information about The Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub for Early Childhood Education, contact: