Breakthrough Central News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Universities in North Carolina are leaning on adult learners to address workforce gaps in the state, specifically in the shortage of teachers and nurses. By 2025, North Carolina is projected to have a deficit of nearly 13,000 nurses, and when it comes to teachers, the state needs more than 5,000 right now. Lori McClaren, executive director of the School of Professional Studies at William Peace University, said they are finding ways to support adult learners who have some college credit but no degree. ...

Many employers are hiring college graduates if they also can show skills-based training, leading one Texas school to expand its Google Career Certificate program. South Texas College is a recent recipient of the "Innovation of the Year Award" for elevating its online Google certificate classroom. Computer-science professor Nicholas Hinojosa said the award recognizes an effort to offer students up-skilling and re-skilling with what are known as "micro-credentials." He said he believes it's helping with student success. ...

Cannabis is an emerging science in which students can make new discoveries and contributions. Wayne State University in Michigan has introduced an undergraduate certificate program this fall. Andrea Matti, assistant professor of chemistry, Wayne State University, noted students are eager to participate, and schools across the country are experiencing a similar surge of enthusiasm. ...

In a new poll, about a quarter of Hispanic students in post-high school education and training programs report feeling discriminated against, harassed, disrespected or unsafe. Researchers from Gallup and Lumina Foundation also found more than half of Hispanic students have considered stopping out in the past year. Courtney Brown, vice president of strategic impact and planning for Lumina Foundation, said the problem is growing. ...

Central Texas Nonprofit and University Support 20,000 First-Generation Students