CECU's Podcast - Career Education Report
Career education is a vital pipeline to high demand jobs in the workforce. Students from all walks of life benefit from the opportunity to pursue their career education goals and find new employment opportunities. Join Dr. Jason Altmire, President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), as he discusses the issues and innovations affecting postsecondary career education. Twice monthly, he and his guests discuss politics, business, and current events impacting education and public policy.
Latest Episode
Episode 30 - Rethinking Career Pathways with Community Colleges
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire has a fascinating discussion with Senior Research Scholar Dr. Davis Jenkins about the role of community colleges in providing value and return on investment for students.
Dr. Jenkins is the Senior Research Scholar at the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Columbia University Teachers College. The CCRC works with community colleges to achieve better outcomes and serve their communities with limited resources. Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Altmire discuss community college outcomes, degrees of value, and guided pathways.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire has a fascinating discussion with Senior Research Scholar Dr. Davis Jenkins about the role of community colleges in providing value and return on investment for students.
Dr. Jenkins is the Senior Research Scholar at the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Columbia University Teachers College. The CCRC works with community colleges to achieve better outcomes and serve their communities with limited resources. Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Altmire discuss community college outcomes, degrees of value, and guided pathways.
Episode 29 - The Great Pell Grant Debate
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire and veteran journalist Paul Fain explore the importance of the short-term Pell Grant for students, as well as the debate about whether students attending for-profit schools should be eligible for the grant. Both sides of the aisle agree that the short-term Pell Grant is a vital resource for many students, but can they work past their differences to pass legislation?
Paul Fain is a higher education journalist known for his weekly newsletter, The Job. Dr. Altmire and Fain discuss how the current landscape of Congress will influence short-term Pell Grant bills, the provision regarding online programs, and the accountability measures for accessing short-term Pell Grants.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire and veteran journalist Paul Fain explore the importance of the short-term Pell Grant for students, as well as the debate about whether students attending for-profit schools should be eligible for the grant. Both sides of the aisle agree that the short-term Pell Grant is a vital resource for many students, but can they work past their differences to pass legislation?
Paul Fain is a higher education journalist known for his weekly newsletter, The Job. Dr. Altmire and Fain discuss how the current landscape of Congress will influence short-term Pell Grant bills, the provision regarding online programs, and the accountability measures for accessing short-term Pell Grants.
Episode 28 - Reimagining the American Apprenticeship System
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks to Dr. Robert Lerman, a leading expert in apprenticeships, about the challenges of the American apprenticeship system and how to make it more efficient in light of the growing trend of young people foregoing a traditional postsecondary education.
Dr. Lerman is an Institute Fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute. He is also the founder of the American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship and is the Chair of Apprenticeships for America. Together, Dr. Lerman and Dr. Altmire discuss how to improve the American apprenticeship system, how other countries approach apprenticeships, and the need for third-party assessments of the outcomes of apprentices.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks to Dr. Robert Lerman, a leading expert in apprenticeships, about the challenges of the American apprenticeship system and how to make it more efficient in light of the growing trend of young people foregoing a traditional postsecondary education.
Dr. Lerman is an Institute Fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute. He is also the founder of the American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship and is the Chair of Apprenticeships for America. Together, Dr. Lerman and Dr. Altmire discuss how to improve the American apprenticeship system, how other countries approach apprenticeships, and the need for third-party assessments of the outcomes of apprentices.
Dr. Robert Lerman
Fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute
Founder of American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship
Chair of Apprenticeships for America
Fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute
Founder of American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship
Chair of Apprenticeships for America
Episode 27 - The Future of Work Meets Higher Education
Employers have chronic difficulties in filling jobs, but millions of Americans are simultaneously unemployed. Professor Joseph Fuller is very familiar with this paradox. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Professor Fuller about the strategies that academic institutions and employers must take to address the skills gap today.
Joseph Fuller is the Professor of Management Practice and General Management at the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Co-Director of the project on Managing the Future of Work at HBS. Professor Fuller discusses the role of community colleges in easing the skills gap. Are they indeed the obvious answer to the problem? He also shares that for-profits do have a role in filling the skills gap and that community colleges can learn from their successes.
Employers have chronic difficulties in filling jobs, but millions of Americans are simultaneously unemployed. Professor Joseph Fuller is very familiar with this paradox. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Professor Fuller about the strategies that academic institutions and employers must take to address the skills gap today.
Joseph Fuller is the Professor of Management Practice and General Management at the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Co-Director of the project on Managing the Future of Work at HBS. Professor Fuller discusses the role of community colleges in easing the skills gap. Are they indeed the obvious answer to the problem? He also shares that for-profits do have a role in filling the skills gap and that community colleges can learn from their successes.
Joseph Fuller
Professor of Management Practice and General Management at Harvard Business School
Co-Director of the Managing the Future of Work at Harvard Business School
Resources:
The Partnership Imperative: Community Colleges, Employers, and America's Chronic Skills Gap
Managing the Future of Work podcast
Professor of Management Practice and General Management at Harvard Business School
Co-Director of the Managing the Future of Work at Harvard Business School
Resources:
The Partnership Imperative: Community Colleges, Employers, and America's Chronic Skills Gap
Managing the Future of Work podcast
Episode 26 - Dr. Terry Hartle Discusses His 50-Year Career in Higher Education
Dr. Terry Hartle, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs at the American Council on Education, is set to retire in early 2023. Dr. Jason Altmire had the chance to speak with Dr. Hartle about his 50-year career in higher education and what is on the horizon for higher education policy.
Dr. Hartle discusses why he does not anticipate the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act any time soon, the Biden administration's regulatory agenda, and the importance of taking a bipartisan approach when advocating for higher education policy. Then, Dr. Hartle shares his predictions for the future of higher education including the possible implications of the upcoming Supreme Court decisions regarding broad student loan forgiveness and affirmative action.
Dr. Terry Hartle, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs at the American Council on Education, is set to retire in early 2023. Dr. Jason Altmire had the chance to speak with Dr. Hartle about his 50-year career in higher education and what is on the horizon for higher education policy.
Dr. Hartle discusses why he does not anticipate the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act any time soon, the Biden administration's regulatory agenda, and the importance of taking a bipartisan approach when advocating for higher education policy. Then, Dr. Hartle shares his predictions for the future of higher education including the possible implications of the upcoming Supreme Court decisions regarding broad student loan forgiveness and affirmative action.
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Dr. Terry Hartle
Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs American Council on Education, |
Episode 25 - Congresswoman Virginia Foxx: A Champion for Higher Education
The Biden administration has shaken up the student loan debt system and targeted the for-profit sector. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Chair of the Committee on Education & the Workforce, to discuss how Congress can improve postsecondary education so students and taxpayers will benefit from a better system.
Congresswoman Foxx shares what oversight actions House Republicans will take to counter the current administration's actions on higher education. Then, Congresswoman Foxx and Dr. Altmire discuss the Real Reforms Act, if Congress can draw bipartisan support for a short-term Pell Grant program, what drives harsh ideologies against the for-profit sector amongst policymakers, and which rules and regulations in higher education should apply to everyone.
The Biden administration has shaken up the student loan debt system and targeted the for-profit sector. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Chair of the Committee on Education & the Workforce, to discuss how Congress can improve postsecondary education so students and taxpayers will benefit from a better system.
Congresswoman Foxx shares what oversight actions House Republicans will take to counter the current administration's actions on higher education. Then, Congresswoman Foxx and Dr. Altmire discuss the Real Reforms Act, if Congress can draw bipartisan support for a short-term Pell Grant program, what drives harsh ideologies against the for-profit sector amongst policymakers, and which rules and regulations in higher education should apply to everyone.
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
Chair of the Committee on Education & the Workforce
Twitter handle: @virginiafoxx
Committee on Education & the Workforce Twitter handle: @EdWorkforceCmte
Chair of the Committee on Education & the Workforce
Twitter handle: @virginiafoxx
Committee on Education & the Workforce Twitter handle: @EdWorkforceCmte
Episode 24 - The Best Storyteller in Texas Talks Politics and Higher Education
Kent Hance has been a politician, university chancellor, and lawyer. He has seen it all, and now he is sharing his stories as the host of The Best Storyteller in Texas Podcast.
In this episode, Hance talks with Dr. Jason Altmire about his decades of experience as a former chancellor of the Texas Tech University System and U.S. Congressman. The two discuss Kent’s time in politics, including when he ran for Congress against George W. Bush, then worked with George H.W. Bush when he was Vice President and helped author and pass President Reagan’s tax bill. Then they talk about the politics of higher education, including freedom of speech.
Kent Hance has been a politician, university chancellor, and lawyer. He has seen it all, and now he is sharing his stories as the host of The Best Storyteller in Texas Podcast.
In this episode, Hance talks with Dr. Jason Altmire about his decades of experience as a former chancellor of the Texas Tech University System and U.S. Congressman. The two discuss Kent’s time in politics, including when he ran for Congress against George W. Bush, then worked with George H.W. Bush when he was Vice President and helped author and pass President Reagan’s tax bill. Then they talk about the politics of higher education, including freedom of speech.
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Kent Hance
Chancellor Emeritus Texas Tech University System Host of The Best Storyteller in Texas Podcast |
Episode 23 - An Inside Look at Arnold Ventures' For-Profit Higher Ed Research
Arnold Ventures is often the lead funder behind some of the most harshly critical reports of the for-profit sector. While their research has indicated disparities in outcomes among different types of higher education institutions, their main goal is ensuring students receive a quality education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Kelly McManus, VP of Higher Education at Arnold Ventures, to hear how the organization is working to increase accountability standards for all schools so all students can succeed regardless of where they choose to attend.
Arnold Ventures is the philanthropic initiative of Laura and John Arnold that focuses on solving society’s most challenging problems. One of their priorities is improving the higher education system and increasing accountability for better outcomes. Dr. Altmire and Kelly discuss Arnold Venture’s focus on for-profit schools and how their research works to increase accountability across the board, the motivation behind the critics of for-profit schools, and how producing ROI for students impacts policy and the protection of taxpayer dollars.
Arnold Ventures is often the lead funder behind some of the most harshly critical reports of the for-profit sector. While their research has indicated disparities in outcomes among different types of higher education institutions, their main goal is ensuring students receive a quality education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Kelly McManus, VP of Higher Education at Arnold Ventures, to hear how the organization is working to increase accountability standards for all schools so all students can succeed regardless of where they choose to attend.
Arnold Ventures is the philanthropic initiative of Laura and John Arnold that focuses on solving society’s most challenging problems. One of their priorities is improving the higher education system and increasing accountability for better outcomes. Dr. Altmire and Kelly discuss Arnold Venture’s focus on for-profit schools and how their research works to increase accountability across the board, the motivation behind the critics of for-profit schools, and how producing ROI for students impacts policy and the protection of taxpayer dollars.
Guest
Episode 22 - Task Force Helps Veterans Get Trucking Jobs
The truck driving industry holds excellent opportunities for veterans transitioning into the workforce. To make this transition easier and address longstanding issues in trucking, the White House formed the Task Force Movement. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with two members of the task force, Sarah Amico and Cassie Byard, about the trucking industry's future. They discuss how we can address labor shortages, the different educational paths veterans can take to enter the trucking industry, and how trucking companies can best retain their employees.
Sarah shares why trucking jobs are great career opportunities, the factors contributing to the truck driver shortage, and how we can help veterans acquire the proper skills to keep up with trucking innovations. Cassie explains the Task Force Movement’s responsibilities, the problems they are addressing, and the recommendations the task force’s upcoming report will present. They also discuss the best strategies for addressing high turnover rates, retaining employees, and avoiding trucker washout.
Resources:
Jack Cooper Holdings
Task Force Movement
National Education and Credentialing Summit Report
The truck driving industry holds excellent opportunities for veterans transitioning into the workforce. To make this transition easier and address longstanding issues in trucking, the White House formed the Task Force Movement. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with two members of the task force, Sarah Amico and Cassie Byard, about the trucking industry's future. They discuss how we can address labor shortages, the different educational paths veterans can take to enter the trucking industry, and how trucking companies can best retain their employees.
Sarah shares why trucking jobs are great career opportunities, the factors contributing to the truck driver shortage, and how we can help veterans acquire the proper skills to keep up with trucking innovations. Cassie explains the Task Force Movement’s responsibilities, the problems they are addressing, and the recommendations the task force’s upcoming report will present. They also discuss the best strategies for addressing high turnover rates, retaining employees, and avoiding trucker washout.
Resources:
Jack Cooper Holdings
Task Force Movement
National Education and Credentialing Summit Report
Guests
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Episode 21 - LinkedIn for Blue-Collar Jobs
Rich Camacho is a military veteran who wanted to help other veterans find jobs in corporate America. He made significant headway in this sector but noticed a market gap for assisting veterans and tradespeople in finding blue-collar trade jobs. So he teamed up with his wife, Gina Camacho, and her technology background to create BlueRecruit, a recruiting platform that matches tradespeople with hiring companies. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Gina and Rich about how BlueRecruit is partnering with CECU member schools and employers to efficiently fill blue-collar jobs with skilled workers.
Gina and Rich discuss the concept behind BlueRecruit and how they developed technology that perfectly matches workers’ experience with a company’s job requirements. They discuss how they engage with students, employers, and schools, and they explore BlueRecruit’s partnership with CECU. Gina and Rich also share the BlueRecruit insights that help employers be more competitive in the job market, how BlueRecruit is growing and expanding, and ways listeners can get involved with BlueRecruit.
Rich Camacho is a military veteran who wanted to help other veterans find jobs in corporate America. He made significant headway in this sector but noticed a market gap for assisting veterans and tradespeople in finding blue-collar trade jobs. So he teamed up with his wife, Gina Camacho, and her technology background to create BlueRecruit, a recruiting platform that matches tradespeople with hiring companies. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Gina and Rich about how BlueRecruit is partnering with CECU member schools and employers to efficiently fill blue-collar jobs with skilled workers.
Gina and Rich discuss the concept behind BlueRecruit and how they developed technology that perfectly matches workers’ experience with a company’s job requirements. They discuss how they engage with students, employers, and schools, and they explore BlueRecruit’s partnership with CECU. Gina and Rich also share the BlueRecruit insights that help employers be more competitive in the job market, how BlueRecruit is growing and expanding, and ways listeners can get involved with BlueRecruit.
Episode 20 - Higher Education’s Impending Overhaul
Higher education is ripe for a major shakeup, according to Professor Todd Zywicki. Todd is a professor of law at the George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School and talks with Dr. Jason Altmire about student loan defaults, the strengths of for-profit colleges and weaknesses of other institutions, and the lack of competition in higher education.
Todd shares his thoughts on policymakers’ pushback against for-profit colleges and how for-profit schools’ outcomes compare with other institutions. Then, Todd and Dr. Altmire discuss how federal taxpayers fund “country club” college experiences for students and how competition can be restored in higher education’s stifled market.
Find Todd’s book Unprofitable Schooling here.
Read a deep dive on student loans in The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Taskforce Report.
Find Todd Zywicki on Twitter.
Higher education is ripe for a major shakeup, according to Professor Todd Zywicki. Todd is a professor of law at the George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School and talks with Dr. Jason Altmire about student loan defaults, the strengths of for-profit colleges and weaknesses of other institutions, and the lack of competition in higher education.
Todd shares his thoughts on policymakers’ pushback against for-profit colleges and how for-profit schools’ outcomes compare with other institutions. Then, Todd and Dr. Altmire discuss how federal taxpayers fund “country club” college experiences for students and how competition can be restored in higher education’s stifled market.
Find Todd’s book Unprofitable Schooling here.
Read a deep dive on student loans in The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Taskforce Report.
Find Todd Zywicki on Twitter.
Episode 19 - Does Low Pay Equal Low-Quality Programs?
In the ongoing debate around short-term program outcomes, one issue is often missed – market dynamics. Dr. Michelle Van Noy discusses the issues of labeling low-pay jobs as low-quality programs without factoring in the labor market.
Dr. Van Noy is the Director of The Education and Employment Research Center at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations. Dr. Van Noy and Dr. Altmire discuss jobs that are often low pay but important to society, how policymakers should look at short-term Pell funding, and credentialing.
In the ongoing debate around short-term program outcomes, one issue is often missed – market dynamics. Dr. Michelle Van Noy discusses the issues of labeling low-pay jobs as low-quality programs without factoring in the labor market.
Dr. Van Noy is the Director of The Education and Employment Research Center at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations. Dr. Van Noy and Dr. Altmire discuss jobs that are often low pay but important to society, how policymakers should look at short-term Pell funding, and credentialing.
Episode 18 - Achieving Big Dreams With Congressman Ric Keller
Ric Keller could not afford college, but one act of kindness allowed him to earn not one but two degrees. He later became chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dr. Jason Altmire talks to Congressman Keller about his new and inspirational book describing his lessons learned about how to achieve your dreams. They also discuss the political opposition to for-profit schools and the erosion of civility in politics.
Check out his recently released book, “Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams.”
Ric Keller could not afford college, but one act of kindness allowed him to earn not one but two degrees. He later became chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dr. Jason Altmire talks to Congressman Keller about his new and inspirational book describing his lessons learned about how to achieve your dreams. They also discuss the political opposition to for-profit schools and the erosion of civility in politics.
Check out his recently released book, “Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams.”
Episode 17 - Infrastructure and Clean Energy’s Largest Issue – Workforce Shortages
America’s aging infrastructure and energy system are in dire need of an upgrade. However, with industries already facing worker shortages, who will do this work? Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Philip Jordan, vice president and principal researcher of BW Research, about which sectors have a shortage of workers and what career schools, trade unions, and others can do to circumvent these shortages.
Many of the jobs needed to upgrade our infrastructure and transition to clean energy are already facing worker shortages. To get more people back into the workforce, we're going to need to make sure everyone knows about these opportunities. Philip says career schools can help by highlighting their graduates' success stories.
America’s aging infrastructure and energy system are in dire need of an upgrade. However, with industries already facing worker shortages, who will do this work? Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Philip Jordan, vice president and principal researcher of BW Research, about which sectors have a shortage of workers and what career schools, trade unions, and others can do to circumvent these shortages.
Many of the jobs needed to upgrade our infrastructure and transition to clean energy are already facing worker shortages. To get more people back into the workforce, we're going to need to make sure everyone knows about these opportunities. Philip says career schools can help by highlighting their graduates' success stories.
Episode 16 - In the Struggle for the Senate, Republicans are Confident They Will Succeed
With the Senate being 50/50 right now, the majority is up for grabs come November. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire discusses key Senate races that will determine who controls the Senate with Matt Moon, deputy executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Matt tells us what the election landscape looks like and why he believes Republicans will take the Senate. Matt and Dr. Altmire also examine current issues, like big city crime and the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, to analyze how these issues will influence voters’ decisions.
With the Senate being 50/50 right now, the majority is up for grabs come November. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire discusses key Senate races that will determine who controls the Senate with Matt Moon, deputy executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Matt tells us what the election landscape looks like and why he believes Republicans will take the Senate. Matt and Dr. Altmire also examine current issues, like big city crime and the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, to analyze how these issues will influence voters’ decisions.
Episode 15 - Advantages of Responding Quickly in Higher Education
When it comes to colleges and universities, the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer, and some schools are their own worst enemies. Larry Ladd knows this all too well with his over 40 years of experience as a financial executive in higher education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Larry about how for-profit institutions quickly respond to the market while non-profits are often slower.
Student enrollment numbers are staying stable, but the number of for-profit schools has dropped. Larry and Dr. Altmire explore this phenomenon and other current trends in higher education. They also discuss hurdles the non-profit sector must address to remain relevant, the future of online learning and its implications for higher education.
When it comes to colleges and universities, the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer, and some schools are their own worst enemies. Larry Ladd knows this all too well with his over 40 years of experience as a financial executive in higher education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Larry about how for-profit institutions quickly respond to the market while non-profits are often slower.
Student enrollment numbers are staying stable, but the number of for-profit schools has dropped. Larry and Dr. Altmire explore this phenomenon and other current trends in higher education. They also discuss hurdles the non-profit sector must address to remain relevant, the future of online learning and its implications for higher education.
Episode 14 - An Insider Look into the Midterm Elections w/ Chad Pergram
The midterm elections are fast approaching, and we’re curious how recent events have influenced this election’s trajectory. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Chad Pergram, Congressional Correspondent for Fox News, about the possible shift in the U.S. House of Representatives and how the new session will likely unfold.
Chad and Dr. Altmire discuss the animosity and lack of willingness to work together between the two parties. They also discuss how Chad navigates his job as a reporter in these times of animosity, which party will likely take control of the House and Senate, and the legislative hurdles facing both parties.
The midterm elections are fast approaching, and we’re curious how recent events have influenced this election’s trajectory. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Chad Pergram, Congressional Correspondent for Fox News, about the possible shift in the U.S. House of Representatives and how the new session will likely unfold.
Chad and Dr. Altmire discuss the animosity and lack of willingness to work together between the two parties. They also discuss how Chad navigates his job as a reporter in these times of animosity, which party will likely take control of the House and Senate, and the legislative hurdles facing both parties.
Episode 13 - Colleges Need to Fundamentally Change or Risk Closure
Thought leaders in higher education have been concerned about the future of higher education. Dr. Robert Zemsky and Dr. Lori Carrell both agree that to prevent schools from closure, higher education needs to be revitalized. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Robert Zemsky of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Lori Carrell of the University of Minnesota Rochester about the market viability of undergraduate institutions and the strategies they must take to thrive.
Dr. Zemsky and Dr. Carrell co-wrote the book Communication for a Change: Revitalizing Conversations for Higher Education. In our discussion, they share ways that communication can most effectively bring change to higher education institutions. We also discuss what universities are most at risk of closure, distrust of institutions by students, and how three-year degrees might be more beneficial to both students and institutions.
Thought leaders in higher education have been concerned about the future of higher education. Dr. Robert Zemsky and Dr. Lori Carrell both agree that to prevent schools from closure, higher education needs to be revitalized. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Robert Zemsky of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Lori Carrell of the University of Minnesota Rochester about the market viability of undergraduate institutions and the strategies they must take to thrive.
Dr. Zemsky and Dr. Carrell co-wrote the book Communication for a Change: Revitalizing Conversations for Higher Education. In our discussion, they share ways that communication can most effectively bring change to higher education institutions. We also discuss what universities are most at risk of closure, distrust of institutions by students, and how three-year degrees might be more beneficial to both students and institutions.
Episode 12 - A Reporter’s Perspective on Higher Education Politics and Policy
Michael Stratford is a leading higher education reporter in Washington, D.C. As the senior education writer for Politico, Michael writes at the intersection of education policy & politics. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire sits down with Michael to discuss the different dynamics in education policy across the last three administrations and what he sees unfolding in today’s education policy issues.
Michael shares his perspective on why there may be more coordination regarding the release of information on the Democratic side and why proprietary schools are disproportionately covered in higher education news. Then, Dr. Altmire and Michael discuss why the media focuses only on negative stories of the past in regard to proprietary schools, and what issues Michael is most focused on heading into the midterm elections.
Michael Stratford is a leading higher education reporter in Washington, D.C. As the senior education writer for Politico, Michael writes at the intersection of education policy & politics. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire sits down with Michael to discuss the different dynamics in education policy across the last three administrations and what he sees unfolding in today’s education policy issues.
Michael shares his perspective on why there may be more coordination regarding the release of information on the Democratic side and why proprietary schools are disproportionately covered in higher education news. Then, Dr. Altmire and Michael discuss why the media focuses only on negative stories of the past in regard to proprietary schools, and what issues Michael is most focused on heading into the midterm elections.
Episode 11 - Congressman Burgess Owens' Guiding Principles: Faith, Family, Free Markets, and Education
Congressman Burgess Owens is one of the most interesting people you’ll meet, from growing up in the segregated South to winning a Superbowl, to now serving in Congress. Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Congressman Owens about why a successful future for America starts with education.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire comes live from the 2022 Career Education Convention to talk with Congressman Owens about why he’s so excited about the future of America, how the new Congress will engage with the people, and how he is working to get kids into the workforce with as little debt and as much faith in themselves as possible.
Congressman Burgess Owens is one of the most interesting people you’ll meet, from growing up in the segregated South to winning a Superbowl, to now serving in Congress. Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Congressman Owens about why a successful future for America starts with education.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire comes live from the 2022 Career Education Convention to talk with Congressman Owens about why he’s so excited about the future of America, how the new Congress will engage with the people, and how he is working to get kids into the workforce with as little debt and as much faith in themselves as possible.
Episode 10 - What is the Real Financial Value of Higher Education?
Preston Cooper takes a unique approach to calculating the return-on-investment (ROI) for college degrees. Preston is a Research Fellow at The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, a non-profit, non-partisan think tank that conducts research on expanding economic opportunity for those that have the least. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Preston about his research that looks at the lifetime financial value of 60,000 different programs.
Preston shares how his ROI analysis method is unique from others and how it measures programs across all kinds of institutions. Preston and Dr. Altmire also discuss the problem in “socially valuable” programs that put students into professions that don’t make a lot of money, and if these programs should be exempt from broad-based accountability. A better way to enforce accountability according to Preston would be gradual financial penalties instead of complete termination of federal funds, which would create incentives for institutions to improve programs.
Preston Cooper takes a unique approach to calculating the return-on-investment (ROI) for college degrees. Preston is a Research Fellow at The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, a non-profit, non-partisan think tank that conducts research on expanding economic opportunity for those that have the least. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Preston about his research that looks at the lifetime financial value of 60,000 different programs.
Preston shares how his ROI analysis method is unique from others and how it measures programs across all kinds of institutions. Preston and Dr. Altmire also discuss the problem in “socially valuable” programs that put students into professions that don’t make a lot of money, and if these programs should be exempt from broad-based accountability. A better way to enforce accountability according to Preston would be gradual financial penalties instead of complete termination of federal funds, which would create incentives for institutions to improve programs.
Episode 9 - The Data Reveals the Truth on Students' Return-on-Investment
Michael Itzkowitz is the guru of College Scorecard. While working for the Department of Education, he noticed that some institutions were providing degrees to their students, but weren’t leaving them with well-paying jobs or the ability to pay down their loans. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Michael about how his work now focuses on return-on-investment (ROI) and putting out information that helps ensure students get the best bang-for-their-buck.
Michael Itzkowitz is Senior Fellow of Higher Education at Third Way, a think tank focused on working across the aisle to reform policy on issues including education. Michael tells us how he came up with an ROI metric and how this metric determines the time it will take a student to recover their costs spent on higher education. Michael and Dr. Altmire also discuss how these ROI metrics compare across public and private sectors, where the data stands on cosmetology programs, and the surprising data Michael discovered on which schools are actually providing the best ROI to students.
Michael Itzkowitz is the guru of College Scorecard. While working for the Department of Education, he noticed that some institutions were providing degrees to their students, but weren’t leaving them with well-paying jobs or the ability to pay down their loans. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Michael about how his work now focuses on return-on-investment (ROI) and putting out information that helps ensure students get the best bang-for-their-buck.
Michael Itzkowitz is Senior Fellow of Higher Education at Third Way, a think tank focused on working across the aisle to reform policy on issues including education. Michael tells us how he came up with an ROI metric and how this metric determines the time it will take a student to recover their costs spent on higher education. Michael and Dr. Altmire also discuss how these ROI metrics compare across public and private sectors, where the data stands on cosmetology programs, and the surprising data Michael discovered on which schools are actually providing the best ROI to students.
Previous Episodes
Episode 8 - A Better Way to Judge Higher Ed Outcomes
Higher education institutions are rarely rewarded for successfully building career pathways for students. Jen Dirmeyer recognized this problem and set out to certify colleges and universities based on their workforce outcomes by starting the Workforce Talent Educators Association (WTEA).
Host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dirmeyer, managing director and chief accreditation officer of WTEA, about why WTEA focuses on workforce outcomes and quality assurance, rather than how programs are delivered. They discuss WTEA’s Career Impact Audit, the connection between institutions and employers, and having third-party verification of workforce outcomes.
Higher education institutions are rarely rewarded for successfully building career pathways for students. Jen Dirmeyer recognized this problem and set out to certify colleges and universities based on their workforce outcomes by starting the Workforce Talent Educators Association (WTEA).
Host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dirmeyer, managing director and chief accreditation officer of WTEA, about why WTEA focuses on workforce outcomes and quality assurance, rather than how programs are delivered. They discuss WTEA’s Career Impact Audit, the connection between institutions and employers, and having third-party verification of workforce outcomes.
Episode 7 - Is Broad Student Loan Forgiveness Fair?
In this episode, we tackle an issue on many people’s minds, student loans. Should there be broad student loan forgiveness? What are the implications of resuming student loan payments? To find out host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Carlo Salerno an economist and vice president for research at CampusLogic.
Salerno and Dr. Altmire discuss the challenge in “turning the switch back on” for student loans, as well as issues surrounding the ethics of student loan forgiveness, the problem of debt without degrees, the equity problem of selective accountability measures on for-profit institutions, and the future of online education.
In this episode, we tackle an issue on many people’s minds, student loans. Should there be broad student loan forgiveness? What are the implications of resuming student loan payments? To find out host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Carlo Salerno an economist and vice president for research at CampusLogic.
Salerno and Dr. Altmire discuss the challenge in “turning the switch back on” for student loans, as well as issues surrounding the ethics of student loan forgiveness, the problem of debt without degrees, the equity problem of selective accountability measures on for-profit institutions, and the future of online education.
Episode 6 - Can Critics and Defenders of For-Profit Schools Come Together?
In today’s episode, host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Sandy Baum, nonresident senior fellow at the Urban Institute, and co-author of “Achieving the (almost) impossible: Consensus on for-profit education.” Dr. Altmire and Dr. Baum discuss if there is common ground between critics and defenders of for-profit institutions to implement lasting regulations.
Tune in to hear Dr. Altmire and Dr. Baum have a candid conversation about if for-profit institutions should be held to different accountability measures, what accountability should look like across all educational institutions of higher education, and can a consensus be reached.
In today’s episode, host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Sandy Baum, nonresident senior fellow at the Urban Institute, and co-author of “Achieving the (almost) impossible: Consensus on for-profit education.” Dr. Altmire and Dr. Baum discuss if there is common ground between critics and defenders of for-profit institutions to implement lasting regulations.
Tune in to hear Dr. Altmire and Dr. Baum have a candid conversation about if for-profit institutions should be held to different accountability measures, what accountability should look like across all educational institutions of higher education, and can a consensus be reached.
Episode 5 - Unifying Career Colleges Across Borders
Philosophical bias against proprietary career schools amongst some policymakers isn’t just a challenge unique to America, but also experienced by our neighbor to the north 一 Canada. To discuss how Canadian career colleges continue to innovate in a very different landscape, host Jason Altmire talks with Michael Sangster, CEO of the National Association for Career Colleges (NACC) in Canada.
Michael explains how Canadian career schools handle political challenges geared against them and how they prove their value through helping to fill the current shortage of supply chain workers, truck drivers, personal support workers, and more in-demand jobs. Then, Michael and Jason discuss how Canadian government funding is different from American funding, how immigration and recruitment policies affect Canadian proprietary schools, and how joining the national association gives members unique advantages to connect with like-minded people.
Philosophical bias against proprietary career schools amongst some policymakers isn’t just a challenge unique to America, but also experienced by our neighbor to the north 一 Canada. To discuss how Canadian career colleges continue to innovate in a very different landscape, host Jason Altmire talks with Michael Sangster, CEO of the National Association for Career Colleges (NACC) in Canada.
Michael explains how Canadian career schools handle political challenges geared against them and how they prove their value through helping to fill the current shortage of supply chain workers, truck drivers, personal support workers, and more in-demand jobs. Then, Michael and Jason discuss how Canadian government funding is different from American funding, how immigration and recruitment policies affect Canadian proprietary schools, and how joining the national association gives members unique advantages to connect with like-minded people.
Episode 4 - The Gainful Employment Debate Takes a Turn
The gainful employment regulations currently being negotiated with the Department of Education would hold only some schools accountable for their outcomes, disproportionately targeting for-profit schools. New data suggests that this is problematic for the vast majority of students attending all other higher education institutions. To discuss the new research and potential solutions, host Jason Altmire talks with Andrew Gillen, Senior Policy Analyst from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, who recently put out a comprehensive study on gainful employment (GE).
Jason and Andrew discuss the types of measures GE uses, how schools in all sectors would fare if the GE regulations applied to them, what the latest data says about the necessity for well-rounded accountability, and how this debate should move forward in the light of new information.
The gainful employment regulations currently being negotiated with the Department of Education would hold only some schools accountable for their outcomes, disproportionately targeting for-profit schools. New data suggests that this is problematic for the vast majority of students attending all other higher education institutions. To discuss the new research and potential solutions, host Jason Altmire talks with Andrew Gillen, Senior Policy Analyst from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, who recently put out a comprehensive study on gainful employment (GE).
Jason and Andrew discuss the types of measures GE uses, how schools in all sectors would fare if the GE regulations applied to them, what the latest data says about the necessity for well-rounded accountability, and how this debate should move forward in the light of new information.
Episode 3 - Everything You Need to Know On Negotiated Rulemaking
The regulation of for-profit schools and negotiated rulemaking is gaining a lot of traction. Host Jason Altmire sits down with Nicholas Kent, Senior Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at CECU, to discuss the impact of negotiated rulemaking on the proprietary sector of higher education.
Nicholas explains the history of negotiated rulemaking and why it’s important, how the process is structured, and who gets a seat at the decision-making table. Then, Jason and Nicholas discuss the key issues that generate strong, differing opinions regarding for-profit higher education, including gainful employment regulations, when new rules will go into effect, and how the current administration influences the rulemaking process.
The regulation of for-profit schools and negotiated rulemaking is gaining a lot of traction. Host Jason Altmire sits down with Nicholas Kent, Senior Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at CECU, to discuss the impact of negotiated rulemaking on the proprietary sector of higher education.
Nicholas explains the history of negotiated rulemaking and why it’s important, how the process is structured, and who gets a seat at the decision-making table. Then, Jason and Nicholas discuss the key issues that generate strong, differing opinions regarding for-profit higher education, including gainful employment regulations, when new rules will go into effect, and how the current administration influences the rulemaking process.
Episode 2 - Are Students Really Career Ready?
Students and parents are questioning the value of a degree. Simultaneously, companies are questioning if graduated students joining the workforce are truly career ready. Higher education is feeling this pressure. Host Jason Altmire sits down with Eric Kuennen, Executive Director of Work Readiness Solutions with Kaplan University Partners, to discuss this challenge that institutions face.
Eric shares about the current disconnect between higher education and corporate jobs, how industry is getting involved in higher education to better prepare students for careers, the evolution of career services at colleges and universities, how institutions measure if their career services are successful, and why this growth in higher education is critical.
Students and parents are questioning the value of a degree. Simultaneously, companies are questioning if graduated students joining the workforce are truly career ready. Higher education is feeling this pressure. Host Jason Altmire sits down with Eric Kuennen, Executive Director of Work Readiness Solutions with Kaplan University Partners, to discuss this challenge that institutions face.
Eric shares about the current disconnect between higher education and corporate jobs, how industry is getting involved in higher education to better prepare students for careers, the evolution of career services at colleges and universities, how institutions measure if their career services are successful, and why this growth in higher education is critical.
Episode 1 - Forecasting the Battle to Control Congress
November isn’t too far away. The 2022 midterm elections are quickly approaching and several factors will influence the outcomes. To discuss and analyze the trajectory of the midterms, host Jason Altmire sits down with David Wasserman, Senior Editor, U.S. House of Representatives for The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.
Wasserman shares his expertise on the likely results for the midterms, the impact of redistricting and gerrymandering in certain states, how the midterms could impact the 2024 presidential election, and at what point he knows it’ll be time to say, “I’ve seen enough,” and call the race.
November isn’t too far away. The 2022 midterm elections are quickly approaching and several factors will influence the outcomes. To discuss and analyze the trajectory of the midterms, host Jason Altmire sits down with David Wasserman, Senior Editor, U.S. House of Representatives for The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.
Wasserman shares his expertise on the likely results for the midterms, the impact of redistricting and gerrymandering in certain states, how the midterms could impact the 2024 presidential election, and at what point he knows it’ll be time to say, “I’ve seen enough,” and call the race.