Brianna Wallen
News Editor
The university is making waves in workforce development by equipping young adults with the skills and experience that are essential for the workforce.
The Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning, in partnership with The WorkPlace, a regional workforce development board, has recently been recognized for creating opportunities that allow students to gain the skills they need to succeed in both their education and careers.
“This collaboration has been recognized with the 2026 UPCEA New England Regional Program Award, which honors exemplary and innovative programming that expands access for learners and demonstrates regional impact,” according to the press release from Jason Edwards, the social media and communications coordinator on Jan. 23.
UPCEA is an American nonprofit that helps adults access professional, online and continuing higher education programs.
Since opening its doors in 2023, OWLL has been empowering learners with hands-on workforce training and affordable professional development programs. These courses can sharpen each students’ skills and create pathways to undergraduate and graduate credit-level certificate programs.
According to the university’s website: “These programs empower lifelong learners to stay relevant in their industry, advance their careers, expand future job prospects and increase their long-term earning power with minimal time commitment and cost.”
Through hands-on training, career guidance and pathways to in-demand fields, OWLL is opening doors for students by building confidence not only in themselves but also in the community around them.
“The OWLL–WorkPlace collaboration directly addresses these challenges by serving individuals who often face barriers to accessing traditional education and career pathways,” the press release noted.
Whether it is through career-related courses, training or AI-supported tools that connect students with jobs, they are building the skills and support they need to take a step into their careers.
“By integrating employer-aligned training, wraparound support, and credit-bearing pathways, the program advances UPCEA’s mission of expanding access and demonstrates the power of collaboration across institutions and systems,” the press release stated.
By combining higher education with workforce training, the partnership offers programs that help young adults ages 18 to 24, especially those out of school or work, prepare for high-demand careers in technology, business and emerging fields.
A 2024 labor market study commissioned by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The Valley Community Foundation, in partnership with Blakely Consulting, found that Connecticut has more than 60,000 unfilled jobs.
These vacant spots are due to many workers lacking the skills needed for these positions. With southern Connecticut facing workforce challenges, this program helps to bridge the gap.
“Graduates are entering high-paying technical fields, helping to close workforce gaps while elevating their own socioeconomic stability,” the press release stated.
Programs like this showcase how preparing the next generation with essential skills and opportunities can foster growth in the local community.
“Together, OWLL and The WorkPlace have created a dynamic partnership that redefines how higher education can engage with workforce systems to expand opportunity, strengthen regional economies and support lifelong learning,” the press release concluded.
