U.S. News and World Report recently spotlighted higher education’s pivot towards a “jobs first” approach and industry-recognized credentials. This will give employers opportunities “to build new and diverse pipelines,” while “shifting toward a skills-based hiring model” using earn-and-learn programs. The publication recognizes Ohio’s Lorain County Community College and its Fast-Track program, which offers short-term certificates that are tuition-free, generate credits that can lead to additional certificates or degrees, and come with a dedicated career coach and connectivity to employers. 9/30/2021