OCCRL's current projects reflect our mission to advance community college education and support diverse learners through rigorous research, evaluation, and collaborative inquiry. Working closely with community colleges, universities, state agencies, educators, workforce partners, and students, we examine the policies, programs, and practices that shape educational access, equity, and success.
Our research spans a broad range of topics, including career and technical education, developmental education reform, institutional effectiveness, workforce development, student success, student leadership, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. Through projects such as our research on Artificial Intelligence in Career and Technical Education (AI/CTE), we explore how emerging technologies are influencing workforce skill requirements, career pathways, and educational practices, as well as the opportunities and challenges institutions face in preparing students for rapidly changing labor markets.
Across all initiatives, we help institutions better understand challenges, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement evidence-based strategies that promote equitable outcomes for students from all backgrounds. By generating actionable insights and fostering partnerships across education systems, OCCRL supports informed decision-making and contributes to the development of more inclusive pathways to postsecondary achievement, workforce opportunity, and community impact.