Sierra Workforce Summit

What are the drawbacks of moving influence and funding away from federal level and giving it to local government leaders?

A key concern is fragmentation: without consistent federal guidance and structures, programs can diverge in quality, access, and outcomes. That said, states like California are already leading the way by aligning regional plans, setting common metrics, and investing in multi-county coordination. When done right, local control can better reflect regional labor market needs while still meeting our statewide and national goals.

To what degree does federal funding impact workforce development and CTE grants? Will this result in more for state grants?

Federal funding plays a foundational role in supporting programs like the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), especially for underserved populations. But it’s rarely sufficient on its own. Many states, including California, are stepping up with complementary investments—like the Strong Workforce Program and High Road Training Partnerships—to scale impact. Rather than one or the other, we’re seeing a layered approach where federal and state dollars compliment for stronger outcomes.

How have pauses in federal grants affected timelines in workforce development programming in Placer County?

While temporary pauses in federal funding created delays—especially in program expansion and outreach—strong local planning helped keep core services running. Placer County’s workforce ecosystem has diversified its funding base and built strong partnerships that allowed programs to stay on track or quickly resume as some funds have come back online.

How do we protect students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged if we don’t have DEI protections?

As was mentioned by panelist Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, the Placer County Superintendent of Schools, even as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs face scrutiny nationally, California continues to uphold equity as a legal and administrative priority—through legislation like the Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) program and mandates for inclusive curriculum and support services.

These structures ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds continue to benefit from state and local resources, including financial aid, tutoring, and college readiness initiatives, to name a few.

What are the long-term impacts on workforce development of the proposed disillusion of the Department of Education?

Any proposed disbanding of the Department of Education would take time to implement, and its long-term effects on workforce development would vary by state. Federal CTE and workforce funding would most likely transition to the Department of Labor. What’s critical now is investing in resilient local systems—community colleges, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, regional collaboratives—that can adapt regardless of federal restructuring. In California, those systems are already in motion and will be key to cushioning any national shifts.

With the loss of Job Corps and AmeriCorps Federal programs, have you given any thought on how you can assist with filling in where these programs have now left a gaping hole with the youth in our area?

Job Corps helped youth gain industry-recognized credentials and life skills, while AmeriCorps emphasized community service and civic development. While we can’t fully replicate those federal efforts, local programs are stepping up—with nonprofits, schools, and employers creating new paid internships and pre-apprenticeships that continue to serve disconnected youth and adults. For example, Sierra College is collaborating with Job Corps partners to promote short-term training, including the Construction Fundamentals Boot Camp.

How do we continue to support those who may not be or fit into the college pathway?

We know that not everyone thrives in a classroom. We’re growing career pathways that are flexible, skills-based, and connected to real work—offering people purpose, wages, and advancement that does not require a degree. We’re working with employers and training providers to build different pathways. A top priority is raising awareness of high value CTE programs that give students many post-secondary options to choose from. The goal is the same: upward mobility, no matter the starting point.

Do you anticipate a drop in enrollment if legislation is passed where Pell grants will not be issued for students enrolled in less than 7.5 units?

Limiting Pell access below 7.5 units would likely impact adult learners and low-income students who rely on flexible, part-time enrollment. While an enrollment dip is possible, institutions like Sierra College are exploring solutions like “compressed pathways” and hybrid formats to help students bundle courses efficiently and stay eligible for aid.

How can workforce nonprofits protect their workforce programs in today’s environment with funding changes?

To protect programs amid funding shifts, we are seeing workforce nonprofits emphasizing the measurable impact they cause—tracking outcomes like job placements, earnings gains, and credential attainment. At the same time, there’s advantage in aligning more closely with regional workforce strategies and joining policy coalitions that can help amplify the voice of nonprofits and those they serve to influence funding priorities. Above all these days, we are finding that collaboration is key to long-term sustainability.

So many jobs require years of experience, even at “entry-level.” How do your proposals help talented individuals get the requisite experience?

Sierra College is focusing on expanding earn-and-learn opportunities—like internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning—that allow individuals to gain experience while earning a paycheck. With stackable credentials, these programs build real-world skills, help employers give input on the talent and skills they need, and give candidates the experience they need to compete for full-time roles.

How has the landscape shifted since 2021 in terms of what post-secondary opportunities middle and high schoolers are interested in?

Data is showing an increase since 2021 of more students—especially in Placer County but also statewide—pursuing dual enrollment, CTE, and technical pathways alongside traditional college. There’s a growing shift toward faster, skills-based routes into high-demand careers, reflecting broader changes in education and employment.

How are your organizations collaborating to create employees who are ready to leverage the emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that will clearly drive the economy in the very near future?

We are seeing the integration of AI applications into workforce training across key sectors—like predictive diagnostics in healthcare, smart sensors in agtech, and automation in semiconductors and clean energy. Sierra College faculty ask industry partners how they are incorporating AI in their respective industries in order to embed emerging skills into existing courses. This ensures students are not just learning general theory and tech applications, but how AI specifically will enhance and even transform their field.

How should AI/emerging tech help leaders to adapt their strategy and planning for this high VUCA world?

In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, we are seeing AI help leaders make faster, more data-informed decisions. This can generate better and deeper insights, strengthen strategic planning, improve forecasting, and can enable more flexible responses to market and workforce shifts. This is the new world of work–it is important that we are all part of it.

What about tax credits for employers who pay their interns, similar to the work opportunity tax credit?

With no such tax credit currently in California, this would be a new incentive to boost paid internship opportunities. This idea might be worth bringing to your state representative for consideration.

Where to start as an employer?

Contact Amy Schulz, Executive Dean at Sierra College at aschulz1@sierracollege.edu.

What is the best way for business to get connected to school resources?

Contact Amy Schulz, Executive Dean at Sierra College at aschulz1@sierracollege.edu.

At the federal level, what recognition is there that the rapid onshoring proposed by aggressive tariffs places a significant burden on businesses to retrain and increase workforce?

We are seeing a growing federal recognition that reshoring critical industries—like semiconductors and clean energy—requires massive workforce investment. That’s why many recent federal initiatives tie infrastructure and industrial investments to training grants, community college partnerships, and apprenticeships to help firms retrain workers quickly.

Robert Dugan mentioned the need to attract and import certain workers. Is it possible to upskill the existing workforce?

We’ve seen strong results from local upskilling efforts in sectors like healthcare, information technology (IT), and skilled trades. But for fast-scaling industries—like advanced manufacturing and energy—employers tell us there aren’t always enough trained workers regionally. Strategic talent attraction can complement these efforts and can help keep our economy growing.