BridgeValley Community and Technical College President Dr. Casey K. Sacks Addresses Critical Issues at White House OSTP Roundtable on STEM Workforce
Dr. Casey K. Sacks, President of BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC), was honored to participate in a high-level roundtable discussion on the future of community colleges and their pivotal role in advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and workforce development. The event was co-hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
The roundtable discussion, part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to fostering a more equitable and prosperous science and technology ecosystem in the United States, focused on critical areas of action to educate, train, employ, and nurture the nation's STEM talent. These areas included education, engagement, workforce development, workforce, and research and innovation capacity.
Dr. Sacks, a prominent leader in the field of community college education, shared valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing community colleges as they seek to strengthen their connections with secondary schools, 4-year institutions, and the broader workforce development sector. Her responses during the discussion underscored the pressing need for policy changes that consider the unique circumstances and diverse needs of community college students, especially those who are underrepresented and underserved.
Challenges in Connecting Community Colleges and Secondary Schools: Dr. Sacks highlighted the need for policies that recognize the diverse student population of community colleges, including adult learners and single parents. She emphasized the importance of funding and partnerships, particularly with K-12 schools and industries, to ensure seamless transitions for students.
Connecting Community Colleges with 4-Year Institutions: Dr. Sacks pointed out the complexities of aligning community college pathways with 4-year institutions, especially in fields like biology with varying degree requirements. She stressed the importance of clear degree pathways and advising to help students pursue their desired careers.
Barriers in Building STEM Academic Workforce: Dr. Sacks shared success stories from BVCTC, such as the WIN academy for nursing and industry partnerships like WV FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education). She also highlighted the funding, industry connections, and regional disparities that community colleges face.
Federal Government Support: Dr. Sacks called for federal support to address regional workforce development challenges and encouraged collaboration between state plans and community colleges. She advocated for federal grants to establish new programs based on industry needs and emphasized the importance of recognizing both credit and non-credit training.
Dr. Sacks urged federal agencies to facilitate partnerships between employers and community colleges, helping bridge the gap between workforce needs and educational opportunities.
About BridgeValley Community and Technical College
BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC) is a public, two-year institution of higher education committed to providing quality education and workforce training to meet the evolving needs of West Virginia. With a focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields, BVCTC strives to empower individuals and strengthen the communities it serves.
About Dr. Casey K. Sacks:
Casey K. Sacks, Ph.D. is currently the President at BridgeValley Community and Technical College in Charleston, WV. At BridgeValley CTC, she and her team are focused on enrollment, retention, completion, and job placement for the students in the state’s capital region. Sacks previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges at the United States Department of Education where she led work around workforce development, career and technical education, adult education, and prison education. She has also served as the Vice Chancellor for the West Virginia Community and Technical College System where she focused on community college excellence and workforce development.
Sacks serves as a trustee for Homebuilders International (HBI), the SkillPointe Foundation, Thomas Memorial Hospital Foundation, and is part of the AEI Conservative Education Reform Network. She has held a research appointment at Rutgers University, was an Aspen Institute Presidential Fellow in the inaugural class at Stanford University, and earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.