February 13, 2025

Forsyth Technical Community College has been selected as one of five institutions nationwide to participate in Education Design Lab’s (the Lab) Reimagining Community College Design Challenge, a new initiative aimed at transforming community colleges to better serve today’s learners. This opportunity comes at an excellent time for Forsyth Tech, as the college enters the final year of its current strategic plan, Vision 2025, and looks ahead to shaping the future of education and workforce development.

Community colleges serve approximately 9 million learners across the country and are gaining national recognition for providing affordable, accessible pathways to economic mobility. With strong employer partnerships and short-term credentials, these institutions equip learners with the skills needed for well-paying careers, leading to lower unemployment rates and higher earnings potential. However, limited staffing, lean budgets, and resource constraints often make it difficult for community colleges to rapidly adapt to evolving workforce demands.

“Students come to Forsyth Tech because they believe education is the key to a better future. It’s our responsibility to deliver on that belief by offering pathways to meaningful careers and economic opportunity,” said Dr. Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. “Through this initiative, we will build on the goals achieved over the last five years and position Forsyth Tech as a leader in reimagining how community colleges serve students in a rapidly changing world.”

Over the next three to five years, Forsyth Tech and its fellow cohort members will work with the Lab to develop and implement strategic plans focused on future-proof skills, clear and stackable educational pathways, job-relevant applied learning, and equitable access to support services. This work will be guided by the Lab’s Future of Learning Framework and human-centered design approach, ensuring that the needs of learners and employers remain at the forefront.

Forsyth Tech joins four other forward-thinking institutions in this initiative:

·      Rio Salado College (AZ) 

·      St. Paul College (MN) 

·      Cuyahoga Community College (OH) 

·      Lone Star College-Tomball (TX) 

By leveraging this initiative alongside its existing strategic planning efforts, Forsyth Tech aims to drive meaningful institutional change, strengthening local, state, and federal support, meeting accreditation requirements, and fostering collaboration among students, employers, faculty, and community leaders. The Lab has launched this challenge with generous support from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving foundation and is actively raising additional funds to sustain the program for the next four years.

“Reimagining community colleges isn’t just about innovation-it’s about ensuring these institutions continue to serve as engines of economic mobility and workforce development,” said Dr. Lisa Larson, interim CEO of Education Design Lab. “By embracing bold, human-centered design, we can support colleges in their missions to meet the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s economy.”

The Reimagining Community College Design Challenge builds on the Lab’s Community College Growth Engine (CCGE), which has already worked with nearly 100 colleges to develop over 200 micro-pathways leading to in-demand careers. Forsyth Tech’s participation in this initiative signals its commitment to continuous innovation and student success, ensuring learners have the education and support they need to thrive in the workforce.

As Forsyth Tech transitions beyond its current strategic plan, Vision 2025, this opportunity will help shape the college’s next strategic direction, aligning its goals with the evolving needs of students, employers, and the broader community.