Safe travels to all heading to Innovations 2026.
We look forward to gathering in Indianapolis to share ideas and celebrate the work advancing community colleges nationwide.
To Indianapolis and beyond.
#INN26INDY #CommunityColleges
📣 Innovation of the Year Awards nominations are now open through April 6.
Open to League member institutions, these awards recognize community college programs advancing student success, workforce alignment, and institutional excellence.
Learn more:
https://www.league.org/ioy
Member Spotlight: Foothill College
Foothill College is cultivating innovation through “culture pods” — small cross-functional teams that help move ideas from inquiry to implementation across the institution.
https://tinyurl.com/mrn4t7hb
March 2026 League publications are now available.
This month’s issues explore employee connectedness, labor market–driven pathways, and new models connecting apprenticeship with academic credentials. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/4np3fmem
Wings up for the League team as we head to Indianapolis for the 2026 Innovations Conference! We look forward to seeing everyone soon. If you’re posting from the conference, use #INN26INDY and follow updates from @InnovationsConf on X and @LeagueInn on Facebook.
There is an old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
After a long winter across much of the country, the early days of March remind us that the seasons are always turning and spring is not far away.
Wishing everyone a restful weekend.
AI terminology can feel overwhelming — even for those building the technology.
This plain-language guide from BoodleBox introduces key AI concepts for community college educators.
Guide: https://tinyurl.com/ywvktn7v
AI Hub webinars: https://www.league.org/ai-hub
New March Leadership Abstract from the League for Innovation.
In “It Takes a Campus,” Jamee Harrington of Rogue Community College explores how strengthening employee connectedness can support engagement, collaboration, and a healthier campus culture.
https://tinyurl.com/ms8fk336
New research from the Community College Research Center examines how community college credentials align with middle-skill jobs in advanced infrastructure, energy, and agriculture (AIREA).
Report: https://tinyurl.com/ynsjc3b6
AIREA tool: https://tinyurl.com/yhbwpmnb
At #INN26INDY, the League will introduce its new Center for Workforce Solutions (CWS).
Opening Session speakers include leaders from Owens Corning, NASA STEM Engagement, and CAT Simulators.
March 15–18 | Indianapolis
https://www.league.org/innovations-2026-opening-session
Dual enrollment is evolving rapidly.
Join us March 6 (10 AM PT / 1 PM ET) for Dual Enrollment in 2026: National Leaders on Growth, Pathways, and Partnerships — a national panel on growth, policy shifts, and cross-sector alignment.
Register: https://tinyurl.com/mpd33c5p
Late winter often draws us indoors—to museums, libraries, and classrooms, seeking light and perspective when the world feels gray.
Innovation begins in those moments of quiet observation.
Wishing you a thoughtful weekend from the League.
Dr. Mike Gavin, keynote speaker at #INN26INDY, examines governance and academic freedom in a new EDU Ledger opinion piece.
A timely read for higher education leaders.
https://tinyurl.com/3rycc83c
AI in Action | March 17
League AI Fellows discuss practical AI implementation in community colleges—grounded examples, ethical considerations, and institutional impact.
Innovations 2026
https://www.league.org/inn2026
The AI Executive Leadership Lab is a three-month executive engagement designed for presidents, vice presidents, and cabinet-level leaders responsible for AI strategy, governance, and institutional risk.
Learn more:
https://www.league.org/ai-executive-leadership-lab
The League will introduce the Center for Workforce Solutions (CWS) at #INN26INDY.
CWS will lead national, industry-driven collaborations, placing community colleges at the center of workforce & economic development.
March 15–18 | Indianapolis
https://www.league.org/innovations-2026-opening-session
Weekend reading:
• Artificial Intelligence for Education — Holmes, Bialik & Fadel
• The Innovator’s Dilemma — Christensen
• Great on Their Behalf — Malcom-Piqueux & Smith
• CCRC — The Evolving Mission of Workforce Development in Community Colleges
What's on your list this semester?
#INN26INDY
February Innovation Showcase:
A sustainable model for student mental health support.
Kirkwood Community College restructured counseling services through strategic pivot points — improving access while maintaining sustainability.
https://tinyurl.com/ypask7tt
March 15–18 | Indianapolis
Leaders and practitioners gather at the 2026 Innovations Conference to examine what’s next for community colleges — AI, workforce strategy, and institutional transformation.
The conversation is forming. Be part of it.
Register: https://www.league.org/inn2026/registration
Your college is innovating. Let the field learn from it.
The League’s Member Spotlight highlights practices advancing community colleges nationwide.
Submissions are now open:
https://www.league.org/memberspotlight_submit
February 17 begins the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Fire Horse — a symbol of strength and bold forward movement. Wishing all who celebrate a joyful year ahead.
Human-Centered AI in Higher Education
Making AI a partner in learning, not a shortcut.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
12:00 p.m. CT/ 1:00 p.m. ET
Register: https://tinyurl.com/2mzafahb
Feb. 25 | 2 PM ET
AI Adventures in Intro to Psychology
Exclusively for League members. Explore a semester-long pilot integrating AI into course content and a custom assistant. Facilitator: Julie Grignon, Ph.D.
league.org/ai-hub
Friday the 13th meets Valentine’s Day weekend—where the unlucky and the lovelorn collide, and the stars align.
Wishing our community college colleagues a weekend filled with connection, care, and a little unexpected good fortune.
Community colleges are leading innovation across higher education.
Innovatus Magazine, shares insights on AI, workforce alignment, student success, and institutional strategy.
Explore current and past issues:
innovatusmagazine.com
#HigherEd #CommunityColleges
Congratulations to the 2025–2026 League Excellence Award recipients.
We look forward to honoring this year’s honorees at the Innovations Conference Closing General Session.
https://www.league.org/2025-2026-league-excellence-awards
#INN26INDY
Four weeks out from the 2026 Innovations Conference.
If you’re traveling to Indianapolis, now is the time to book flights and hotel accommodations.
March 15–18
https://www.league.org/inn2026/
#INN26INDY
This upcoming Innovative Educators webinar explores evidence-based, campus-wide strategies for improving retention and completion through transfer-friendly design and institutional coordination.
February 26 | 1:00–2:00 PM ET
https://tinyurl.com/mupbt4ks
What happens when institutional reorganization is guided by student success rather than structure alone? @monroecc.bsky.social aligned organizational design with advising, collaboration, & student outcomes — offering insight for colleges reflecting on their own systems. https://tinyurl.com/358rpwet
As February begins, the League for Innovation recognizes Black History Month and the centennial of Black history commemorations, reflecting on the educators who have shaped opportunity and access in higher education. Wishing our colleagues an enjoyable weekend ahead.
#BlackHistoryMonth
