How Calbright College Is Using AI, Micro-Internships, and Flexible Learning to Serve Adult Learners in California
Calbright College is leveraging AI tools, micro-internships, and competency-based flexible learning to address California's population of 6.6 million adults who have some college experience but no degree. The institution aims to provide workforce-aligned, accessible education pathways for adult learners who cannot engage with traditional higher education models. This episode of DisruptED examines how Calbright is redefining community college education through technology and non-traditional program structures.
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Key takeaways
California has approximately 6.6 million residents with some college experience but no degree, representing a major untapped opportunity for alternative education pathways.
Calbright College uses AI, micro-internships, and flexible competency-based learning to serve adult learners who need non-traditional education options.
The institution challenges the conventional higher education ROI model by focusing on skill-driven, workforce-aligned credentials rather than traditional degrees.
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At a time when traditional higher education is being reevaluated for its return on investment, institutions like Calbright College are emerging as transformative forces. With roughly 6.6 million students in California having some college experience but no degree, the pressure is on to create alternative pathways that are flexible, skill-driven, and aligned with workforce needs. Calbright’s innovative model—combining online delivery with competency-based education and job-focused programs—is leading that charge.
How can public higher ed evolve to meet the realities of adult learners and the modern job market?
Welcome to DisruptED. This episode features guest host Darin Francis in conversation with Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College. Together, they unpack Calbright’s unique approach to workforce education, innovations in student support, and the role the college plays in statewide education and labor initiatives.
Key takeaways from the episode:
- Calbright is integrating AI tools and micro-internships to provide just-in-time support and real-world experience to learners.
- Durable skills like critical thinking and digital literacy are being embedded across all programs, not just technical training.
- The college plays a key role in California’s workforce development, aligning curriculum with industry needs and helping adults transition into well-paying careers.
Dr. Shannon McCarty is a seasoned academic leader with deep expertise in online learning, curriculum innovation, and competency-based education. She has held executive roles at institutions like Calbright College, National University, and Bay Path University, where she launched large-scale online programs, led multimillion-dollar grant projects, and advanced workforce-aligned degree pathways. Known for her strategic leadership and commitment to student success, she has been instrumental in designing scalable education models that integrate digital tools, microcredentials, and labor market data.
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About the author
With 20 years of experience at the intersection of higher education and edtech, Darin Francis brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for driving meaningful change in the sector. Having led teams, crafted go-to-market (GTM) strategies, and worked closely with institutions, Darin is uniquely positioned to help edtech companies navigate the complexities of U.S. and Canadian higher education. Darin Francis, based in Detroit, MI, US, is currently a Managing Partner and CEO at Harbinger Lane Consulting.
