Education & EdTech

How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Transforming Workforce Education for America’s Frontline Employees

workforce

Work is changing fast. Automation and artificial intelligence aren’t just reshaping how we work—they’re redefining who gets access to opportunity in the first place. With frontline workers making up a significant share of the American workforce—and one in eight Americans having worked at McDonald’s—the discussion about education, skills, and upward mobility feels more urgent than…

Read More

Latest

Articles Education Technology
Grow Your Own Talent: How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Building a Culture of Lifelong Learning

The world of work is changing faster than ever. Automation is reshaping jobs, new technologies are rewriting what “qualified” means, and a new generation of workers is redefining what they expect from employers. From fast food to healthcare, companies are realizing they can’t just hire talent — they have to build it. They’re starting to…

Read More
DisruptED
Finding the North Star for Adult Learning: How UTI Is Redefining Workforce Education for Today’s Talent Needs

In a world where rapid technological change is redefining how we live, work, and learn, the demand for skilled labor and lifelong learning has never been higher. From electric vehicle repair to advanced diagnostics in healthcare, the U.S. faces a widening talent gap in the skilled trades and allied health industries. According to the…

Read More
Education & EdTech
Holistic Support in Higher Ed: Why Non-Traditional Students Need More Than Just Financial Aid

Non-traditional students—adult learners, student parents, veterans, and first-generation college-goers—are carrying heavier burdens than ever. Upswing’s 2024 Ana Insights Report found that nearly nine in ten students intended to complete a FAFSA application, while many also sought help with essentials like food, housing, and bill payments. Perhaps most concerning, students expressed declining confidence in higher…

Read More
Education & EdTech
Just Thinking… About How to Bring Out the Best in Educators and Learners with Dr. Amy Alzina

Across classrooms today, student engagement is proving to be one of the strongest predictors of success. Learners who feel connected and motivated in school are not only more likely to excel academically but also more likely to approach the future with confidence and optimism. As artificial intelligence and other emerging tools reshape what’s possible…

Read More
Education & EdTech
Why Is Video Surveillance the First Frontier for AI in Security?

Video surveillance has long been the backbone of physical security, but with the integration of artificial intelligence, it’s becoming the first frontier for meaningful innovation. Chuck Wilson, Chairman of Technology, alliant; CEO Emeritus, National Systems Contractors Association, explains why AI is reshaping this space faster than any other. At the core of the shift is…

Read More
Education & EdTech
National Campus Safety Month: What Every Student and Parent Should Know

September marks National Campus Safety Month, a timely reminder for students and parents to prioritize personal safety as a new school year begins. In this episode of Secured, Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of Global Secure Resources, highlights emerging risks on college campuses and the proactive steps that can help students stay safe and empowered. One of…

Read More

Latest

workforce
How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Transforming Workforce Education for America’s Frontline Employees
October 9, 2025

Work is changing fast. Automation and artificial intelligence aren’t just reshaping how we work—they’re redefining who gets access to opportunity in the first place. With frontline workers making up a significant share of the American workforce—and one in eight Americans having worked at McDonald’s—the discussion about education, skills, and upward mobility feels more urgent than…

Read More
Career
How to Build a Purpose-Driven Career in the Age of AI and Acceleration
October 9, 2025

In a world reshaped by AI, global connectivity, and relentless technological advancement, the pace of disruption has never been greater. Careers are being reinvented as industries transform, and individuals everywhere are being challenged to find meaning, adaptability, and creativity in their professional paths. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 86% of…

Read More
youth
Fashion, Identity, and Digital Life Collide: Why Brands Must Listen, Collaborate, and Co-Create With the Next Generation of Youth
October 8, 2025

As the lines blur between fashion, identity, and digital life, brands are racing to understand how today’s youth are reshaping culture and commerce. Pacsun’s new Youth Report 2025, produced in partnership with GlobalData, offers one of the most detailed portraits yet of Gen Z and Gen Alpha—two generations united by self-expression but divided by…

Read More
talent
Grow Your Own Talent: How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Building a Culture of Lifelong Learning
October 7, 2025

The world of work is changing faster than ever. Automation is reshaping jobs, new technologies are rewriting what “qualified” means, and a new generation of workers is redefining what they expect from employers. From fast food to healthcare, companies are realizing they can’t just hire talent — they have to build it. They’re starting to…

Read More

Latest Articles Education Technology

workforce
Articles Education Technology
How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Transforming Workforce Education for America’s Frontline Employees
October 9, 2025

Work is changing fast. Automation and artificial intelligence aren’t just reshaping how we work—they’re redefining who gets access to opportunity in the first place. With frontline workers making up a significant share of the American workforce—and one in eight Americans having worked at McDonald’s—the discussion about education, skills, and upward mobility feels more urgent than…

Read More
Grow Your Own Talent: How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Building a Culture of Lifelong Learning

The world of work is changing faster than ever. Automation is reshaping jobs, new technologies are rewriting what “qualified” means, and a new generation of workers is redefining what they expect from employers. From fast food to healthcare, companies are realizing they can’t just hire talent — they have to build it. They’re starting to…

Read More
Kai: Finally an AI Solution for Enrollment Teams to Create Connection, Not Just Mine Data!

Artificial intelligence has become the buzzword of the moment in higher education, but for many enrollment teams, it often feels like just another layer of complexity on top of an already demanding job. Budgets are tight, teams are stretched thin, and the pressure to recruit and retain students has never been greater. What leaders…

Read More
MeetYourClass Heads to NACAC 2025 with a Vision for the Future of Enrollment and Community On Campus

With enrollment numbers slipping and student expectations shifting, colleges are under more pressure than ever to create real, lasting connections that make students feel part of a community. Research shows that institutions lose up to 10–40% of admitted students to “summer melt” each year, a challenge that directly impacts revenue and retention. At the…

Read More
Professional learning
Articles Education Technology
Just Thinking… About How Professional Learning Among Teachers Can Boost Student Outcomes
September 10, 2025

With roughly half of the new teachers in Texas stepping into classrooms without full certification, the need for strong and practical professional learning has never been more urgent. According to research, effective professional development among teachers can boost student achievement by up to 21 percentile points—yet many educators frequently report lacking both the time and…

Read More
How AI is Reshaping Talent, Training, and Logistics to Build the Workforce and Military Force of the Future

Artificial intelligence is radically transforming the military—an institution grappling with an eligibility crisis at home. According to the Department of Defense, a mere 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 qualify for military force without needing a waiver, meaning that 77% are currently ineligible due to factors like obesity, drug use, and mental or…

Read More
Why Data-Driven Financial Aid Strategies Are Critical to Higher Ed’s Future

As higher education faces declining public trust and heightened financial pressure, colleges are being pushed to rethink how they manage enrollment and financial aid. Data analytics and predictive modeling are emerging as critical tools, with institutions seeking ways to allocate limited aid dollars while still aligning with their missions. According to the most recent…

Read More
Colleges Turn to Precision Marketing, Advanced Tracking, and Privacy-First Strategies to Engage Stealth Students

Colleges and universities face mounting challenges in reaching prospective students who never formally identify themselves in the recruitment process—often called “stealth shoppers.” Research shows that at least one in three applicants to private four-year colleges in the U.S. apply as stealth students. For enrollment leaders, this hidden audience—students who research institutions anonymously online before…

Read More
Goldey-Beacom College
Articles Education Technology
Workforce Success and Innovation-Driven Growth with President Keith of Goldey-Beacom College
September 3, 2025

As higher education institutions face declining enrollments and increasing pressure from employers for skills-based learning, small colleges are rethinking their missions. A whopping 70% of U.S. employers say they struggle to find workers with the right skills, and credential-based programs are gaining traction as a solution. At the intersection of tradition and transformation, Goldey-Beacom College…

Read More
How Detroit Homecoming is Turning the City’s Diaspora into Champions of its Comeback (Ep. 2 with Mary Kramer)

Detroit’s resurgence story is impossible to ignore. Following decades of economic decline, the city has seen major revitalization, most recently highlighted when the NFL Draft drew over 700,000 visitors downtown. The stakes are high: Detroit’s growth depends not only on investments from billionaires, but on reconnecting with former residents whose personal and professional contributions…

Read More
Detroit Homecoming: The Event Driving Future Prosperity Through the Power of the Detroit Diaspora (Ep. 1 with Mary Kramer)

Detroit’s renewal is no longer a distant dream—it’s unfolding in real time. From reimagined neighborhoods to booming small businesses, the city’s momentum is visible on every corner. Major events, like recent large-scale sports and cultural gatherings, have showcased its vibrancy to hundreds of thousands of visitors. But the real engine of this revival may…

Read More
The DisruptED World of Tech Talent with TEKsystems: Future-Proofing the Workforce Through Inclusive Hiring and Non-Traditional Education

In a workforce reshaped by automation, accelerated AI adoption, and persistent labor shortages, the demand for skilled tech talent has never been more urgent—or more difficult to meet. The traditional pipelines, namely college degrees and four-year institutions, are no longer producing enough candidates to meet the explosive growth in tech roles. With tech jobs…

Read More

Latest Education Technology Podcasts

workforce education
DisruptED
Finding the North Star for Adult Learning: How UTI Is Redefining Workforce Education for Today’s Talent Needs
October 7, 2025

In a world where rapid technological change is redefining how we live, work, and learn, the demand for skilled labor and lifelong learning has never been higher. From electric vehicle repair to advanced diagnostics in healthcare, the U.S. faces a widening talent gap in the skilled trades and allied health industries. According to the…

Read More
Holistic Support in Higher Ed: Why Non-Traditional Students Need More Than Just Financial Aid

Non-traditional students—adult learners, student parents, veterans, and first-generation college-goers—are carrying heavier burdens than ever. Upswing’s 2024 Ana Insights Report found that nearly nine in ten students intended to complete a FAFSA application, while many also sought help with essentials like food, housing, and bill payments. Perhaps most concerning, students expressed declining confidence in higher…

Read More
Just Thinking… About How to Bring Out the Best in Educators and Learners with Dr. Amy Alzina

Across classrooms today, student engagement is proving to be one of the strongest predictors of success. Learners who feel connected and motivated in school are not only more likely to excel academically but also more likely to approach the future with confidence and optimism. As artificial intelligence and other emerging tools reshape what’s possible…

Read More
Addressing Bullying Through Prevention and Connection

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Dr. Melissa Mariani to explore school bullying prevention strategies, highlighting whole-school approaches, early intervention, and the power of positive climate in creating safer learning environments. KEY POINTS: Bullying erodes both physical and emotional safety,…

Read More
Good school
Education & EdTech
Just Thinking… About How Good Schools Foster Kindness, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning
September 8, 2025

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how schools, educators, and policymakers think about the future of learning. With OECD shifting its emphasis from test-based rankings toward human flourishing, and governments debating how to integrate digital tools without overwhelming already-strained systems, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A McKinsey study found that 20 to 40% of teacher…

Read More
Enhancing Team Culture Through Humor: How Levity Builds Trust, Retention, and Performance in Today’s Workplace

Workplace culture has become a defining factor in employee retention and performance. According to research from EnterpriseAlumni, employees who are not recognized are 8× more likely to be actively disengaged and 4× more likely to look for a new job. In other words, when recognition and culture are lacking, organizations face serious risks in…

Read More
Just Thinking… About Power Thinking and Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI

Education is facing seismic shifts as schools adapt to the realities of the fourth industrial revolution and prepare for the fifth—driven by AI and rapid technological change. With superintendents and school leaders under increasing pressure, conversations about how to cultivate authentic intelligence and wisdom, not just data-driven decision-making, have never been more urgent. One…

Read More
It’s Everybody’s Business: Building a Culture of Shared Enrollment Responsibility in Higher Education

Higher education is facing a pivotal moment. With the looming demographic cliff, rising questions about the value of a degree, and shifting demands brought by AI and evolving job markets, institutions—especially smaller colleges—are being pressed to rethink how they operate. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, undergraduate enrollment has declined by nearly 15 percent over…

Read More
metacognitive teaching strategies
Education & EdTech
Just Thinking: How Metacognitive Teaching Strategies Build Critical Thinking and Transfer Knowledge
August 15, 2025

In today’s rapidly changing world, effective leadership in education is about more than managing schools—it’s about inspiring a culture of thinking that empowers both teachers and students. As classrooms adapt to new technologies, diverse learning needs, and shifting societal demands, leaders have the responsibility to guide not just the acquisition of knowledge but the…

Read More
How Program Growth and Innovation has Increased Student Success at Adrian College with President Docking

Small colleges across the United States face mounting pressure from shifting student expectations, rising costs, and an increasingly competitive higher education market. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollment rose 3.5 percent in spring 2025 compared to the prior year, reaching 15.3 million students, but still remains 2.4 percent below pre-pandemic…

Read More
From Bitter to Better: How Purpose and Second Chances Can Change Entire Communities (Ep. 2)

In the second installment of this powerful two-part series, DisruptED turns from personal origin stories to the enduring lessons that come from surviving life’s hardest seasons. For host Ron J Stefanski and guest John Valverde, President and CEO of YouthBuild Global, the conversation is rooted in lived experience: moments of deep loss, the resilience…

Read More
From Bitter to Better: The Necessary and Difficult Journey to Second Chances (Ep. 1)

Some moments in life alter the course of who we are. For Ron J Stefanski, that moment came with the heartbreaking loss of his grandmother—a Polish immigrant who had stepped in to raise him after his mother passed, giving his childhood a foundation of love, steadiness, and strength. She was his anchor, his safe…

Read More

Latest MarketScale Tutorials

Articles Education Technology
Military and Corporations Competing for Talent Must Utilize Education Incentives
May 9, 2024

It’s a fast-evolving workforce out there and the competition for talent has intensified, touching even the most traditional sectors such as the military. As companies, large and small, recognize the importance of investing in their employees through education benefits, a new landscape emerges where even the U.S. military must innovate to attract and retain…

Read More

Latest Videos Education Technology

Why Is Video Surveillance the First Frontier for AI in Security?
Education & EdTech
Why Is Video Surveillance the First Frontier for AI in Security?
September 19, 2025

Video surveillance has long been the backbone of physical security, but with the integration of artificial intelligence, it’s becoming the first frontier for meaningful innovation. Chuck Wilson, Chairman of Technology, alliant; CEO Emeritus, National Systems Contractors Association, explains why AI is reshaping this space faster than any other. At the core of the shift is…

Read More
National Campus Safety Month: What Every Student and Parent Should Know

September marks National Campus Safety Month, a timely reminder for students and parents to prioritize personal safety as a new school year begins. In this episode of Secured, Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of Global Secure Resources, highlights emerging risks on college campuses and the proactive steps that can help students stay safe and empowered. One of…

Read More
How to Scale Events Without Losing the Wow Factor

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, reconnects with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a conversation about what it really takes to scale events without losing their impact. Idan shares how his team manages nearly 500 events a year—ranging from intimate gatherings to Verkada One, the company’s flagship…

Read More
Closing the Gap Between Lockdowns and Live Visibility

In this episode of Secured, Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, sits down once again with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a deep dive into how cloud-native technology is transforming school security across the U.S. with live visibility. With Verkada now protecting over 20 million students nationwide, Idan shares why the company’s integrated…

Read More
community
DisruptED
Bringing Community into the Transformation of K-12 Schools: The Impact of Mentors, Local Voices, and Student Entrepreneurs
July 24, 2025

As K-12 schools across the U.S. struggle to recover from the learning loss and emotional fallout of the pandemic, a deeper reckoning is underway—one that challenges the very foundation of who’s responsible for educating our children. Despite billions in federal relief, a third of U.S. students are not even reading at a basic level…

Read More
Beyond the Myths: The Truth About Vision AI Security, Ethics, and Privacy

She didn’t see him—AI could have. On a late hospital shift, an exhausted nurse looked up and locked eyes with someone she never expected to see—a former patient with a history of aggression. He wasn’t supposed to be there. A restraining order was in place. But security had no idea. This isn’t about surveillance—it’s about…

Read More
Building a Stronger Veterinary Community: Vetcetera at WVC 2025

In the ever-evolving world of veterinary medicine, the path from student to professional can feel overwhelming. Between grueling board exams and the emotional toll of animal care, aspiring veterinarians and vet techs are often in need of more than just textbooks—they need a support system. That’s where digital platforms like VetPrep and VetTechPrep have…

Read More
The Future of Education Technology Relies on Responsible Technology Use

Education technology is currently at a critical standpoint. While schools are increasingly integrating digital tools into learning, there’s also a growing awareness highlighting the amount of screen time students are exposed to with a possible solution of removing technology from classrooms. Per a 2022 study by JAMA Network, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the time…

Read More
Articles Education Technology
DisruptED in the D: Moonlaunch moment in Education with Dr. Sasha and Dr. Caesar
February 17, 2025

Job markets have seen quite a number of changes as technological advancements reshape industries at fast paces. Yet, a significant portion of the workforce remains trapped in low-skill positions with little opportunity for upward mobility. But in a city like Detroit, there is a challenge of upskilling workers that is being compounded by systemic…

Read More
How the Use of K9’s Can Change the Culture & Climate on Campuses

On the latest episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga of M6 Global Defense welcomes Greg Guidice, President and CEO of Zebra K9, to discuss the critical role K9 units play in enhancing security and well-being across multiple sectors. Greg shares how Zebra K9 has evolved from primarily explosive detection to addressing emerging needs in…

Read More
Failure is Success In Progress

This episode of Education Unplugged delves into the transformative journeys of those who have pursued non-traditional educational paths, particularly focusing on individuals who have earned their GED as a springboard to further opportunities. Vicki Greene, Host of Education UnplugGED, introduces Marcus, a guest with a powerful story of overcoming adversity through education and personal growth,…

Read More
SROs in Action: Balancing Safety, Education, and Mentorship

In this episode of “School Safety Today”, host Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with Lt. Pamela Revels, President of NASRO and Lieutenant of the School Resource Division at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama. Drawing from 20 years of experience as an SRO, Lt. Revels highlights the vital role School Resource Officers have in…

Read More
Other Education & EdTech Articles
Kai: Finally an AI Solution for Enrollment Teams to Create Connection, Not Just Mine Data!
September 19, 2025

Artificial intelligence has become the buzzword of the moment in higher education, but for many enrollment teams, it often feels like just another layer of complexity on top of an already demanding job. Budgets are tight, teams are stretched thin, and the pressure to recruit and retain students has never been greater. What leaders…

Read More
How to Scale Events Without Losing the Wow Factor
September 17, 2025

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, reconnects with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a conversation about what it really takes to scale events without losing their impact. Idan shares how his team manages nearly 500 events a year—ranging from intimate gatherings to Verkada One, the company’s flagship…

Read More
MeetYourClass Heads to NACAC 2025 with a Vision for the Future of Enrollment and Community On Campus
September 11, 2025

With enrollment numbers slipping and student expectations shifting, colleges are under more pressure than ever to create real, lasting connections that make students feel part of a community. Research shows that institutions lose up to 10–40% of admitted students to “summer melt” each year, a challenge that directly impacts revenue and retention. At the…

Read More
Just Thinking… About How Professional Learning Among Teachers Can Boost Student Outcomes
September 10, 2025

With roughly half of the new teachers in Texas stepping into classrooms without full certification, the need for strong and practical professional learning has never been more urgent. According to research, effective professional development among teachers can boost student achievement by up to 21 percentile points—yet many educators frequently report lacking both the time and…

Read More
Addressing Bullying Through Prevention and Connection
September 9, 2025

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Dr. Melissa Mariani to explore school bullying prevention strategies, highlighting whole-school approaches, early intervention, and the power of positive climate in creating safer learning environments. KEY POINTS: Bullying erodes both physical and emotional safety,…

Read More
Closing the Gap Between Lockdowns and Live Visibility
September 8, 2025

In this episode of Secured, Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, sits down once again with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a deep dive into how cloud-native technology is transforming school security across the U.S. with live visibility. With Verkada now protecting over 20 million students nationwide, Idan shares why the company’s integrated…

Read More
Just Thinking… About How Good Schools Foster Kindness, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning
September 8, 2025

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how schools, educators, and policymakers think about the future of learning. With OECD shifting its emphasis from test-based rankings toward human flourishing, and governments debating how to integrate digital tools without overwhelming already-strained systems, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A McKinsey study found that 20 to 40% of teacher…

Read More
How AI is Reshaping Talent, Training, and Logistics to Build the Workforce and Military Force of the Future
September 8, 2025

Artificial intelligence is radically transforming the military—an institution grappling with an eligibility crisis at home. According to the Department of Defense, a mere 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 qualify for military force without needing a waiver, meaning that 77% are currently ineligible due to factors like obesity, drug use, and mental or…

Read More
Why Data-Driven Financial Aid Strategies Are Critical to Higher Ed’s Future
September 8, 2025

As higher education faces declining public trust and heightened financial pressure, colleges are being pushed to rethink how they manage enrollment and financial aid. Data analytics and predictive modeling are emerging as critical tools, with institutions seeking ways to allocate limited aid dollars while still aligning with their missions. According to the most recent…

Read More