Podcast appearances and mentions of Jason Altmire

Billions of dollars in AI investment are reshaping the American economy, and the workers who will physically build that future aren't coming out of four-year universities. They're being trained at career schools like Midwest Technical Institute, where Founder and CEO Brian Huff has spent decades preparing skilled tradespeople for the jobs that keep the country running. But cultural bias against the trades is holding back the pipeline of talent America urgently needs. Huff joins host Jason Altmire to make the case that hands-on careers deserve the same respect as traditional degrees and explains what higher ed leaders can do right now to change that. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Jason Altmire and Riley Burr, authors of the recently published book, Trade Up: Why the Future Belongs to Skilled Trades and How Career Education is Transforming the Workforce. Their conversation touches on how skilled workers will help power the infrastructure of the AI revolution, and what is keeping people from accessing trade schools and alternative career paths that can provide immense opportunities in today's economy. Tune in to learn more about the future of skilled trades.  Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: career.org  tradeupbook.com  IN TODAY'S EPISODE:  • [01:30] An introduction to today's guests and topic of discussion. • [02:50] Defining the problem: the gap between jobs and skills. • [05:12] Riley unpacks the scope of the skills gap. • [06:30] How AI is impacting the issue and their thoughts on what might happen in the future. • [11:20] They pinpoint the barriers to getting more kids onto the trades-career path. • [13:40] What students might experience if they pursue an education at a trade school. • [17:00] They discuss other paths that exist to close the gap, like apprenticeships. • [21:00] What we can learn from Switzerland regarding apprenticeships. • [22:30] The role trade unions play. • [23:00] What policymakers can do to create more access and opportunities for trade education. • [27:47] How policymakers can respond to what Gen Z wants. • [29:20] Concluding thoughts from our guests on today's topic of conversation.

While students and employers both wrangle with the best ways to use artificial intelligence in an evolving workforce, career colleges are well positioned to leverage the technology to better prepare students for today's labor market and streamline how the colleges themselves operate. Today's guest is Lauri Kien Kotcher, the CEO & Co-founder of Different Day. Lauri tells host Jason Altmire that AI tools can be critical in providing timely replies to student inquiries, streamlining transcript processing and offering personalized communication to keep students engaged and interested in events on campus. She says these tools can even make inroads on reducing student attrition and become a key strategy for creating and cultivating the next generation of career education professionals.

A masonry instructor in rural North Carolina pulled a quiet freshman aside and told him he saw something special in him. That student went on to earn two master's degrees and eventually became Executive Director of the National Technical Honor Society. Peyton Holland knows what the right mentor at the right moment can do to help a student and he's dedicated his career to replicating it.He joins host Jason Altmire to discuss how NTHS goes beyond recognition to give CTE students real leadership experience, flexible scholarships, and a community that connects programs across every discipline. Peyton says these opportunities allow students to take responsibility for more than just their grades; they are able to take early ownership over their work and become the leaders that employers want to hire. 

New findings from the National Bureau of Economic Research find strong relationships between America's community colleges and local labor markets, but what does that mean for higher education? Josh Goodman, Associate Professor of Education and Economics at Boston University and co-author of the report joins host Jason Altmire to discuss how strong labor markets drive down demand for education as people are incentivized to enter the workforce rather than pursue a degree. On the other hand, a weaker labor market sees a significant increase in community college enrollment as people want a next step even if they can't find employment. Because colleges play a key role during difficult economic times, Josh argues that policymakers should rethink how they fund post-secondary education in order to support a vital tool for rebuilding America's economy.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Former congressman Jason Altmire has spent years in Washington—and even more time outside it—making the case that America's biggest opportunity isn't behind a desk, but behind a welding mask, a set of tools, or the wheel of a big machine. Now leading Career Education Colleges and Universities, he's on a mission to close the skills gap and reconnect hard work with real opportunity. In this episode, Mike and Jason dig into why millions of good jobs go unfilled, why the stigma around skilled labor refuses to die, and what it'll take to convince a new generation that "college for all" might not be the answer. Along the way, they unpack the ideas behind Jason's book, Trade Up: Why the Future Belongs to Skilled Trades and How Career Education is Transforming the Workforce—and make a compelling case that the fastest way to achieve the American Dream might be to pursue a skilled trade. Tip o' the hat to our excellent sponsors PureTalk.com/Rowe Get UNLIMITED hi-speed data for just $34.99 per month! SkillsUSA.org/mike Join the skilled trade movement! GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE to get $25 off your first order & FREE meat for life. mikeroweWORKS.org/scholarship to apply for a work ethic scholarship.

Last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act set into law a new framework for holding higher education responsible for graduates' earnings. While the framework is set to roll out soon, today's guests say the guidelines are a flawed “one size fits all” approach that's too broad for America's cosmetology sector.Today's guests are Brenda Scharman, owner of Cameo College of Essential Beauty; Lynelle Lynch, CEO and owner of Bellus Academy; and Ryan Claybaugh, Vice President of Operations for Paul Mitchell Advanced Education. They tell host Jason Altmire the proposed framework pits a workforce of young, high school graduates against workers with advanced postsecondary education and perpetuates gender inequities by comparing an industry with a large number of part-time workers and more than 90% women to wealthier, male-dominated fields.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

With nearly 200,000 registered nursing job openings annually, the U.S. nursing shortage is reaching a critical point. On this episode of Career Education Report, host Jason Altmire speaks with Susan Mayer, Chief Learning Officer of Achieving the Dream, which supports over 300 community colleges to create opportunities and remove barriers to learning. Mayer explains how innovations like part-time programs, simulation technology, and credit for prior learning can help colleges expand the capacity of their nursing programs and bring more learners, including CNAs and LPNs already in the workforce, onto an RN pathway. She argues that solving the shortage requires community colleges to rethink not just how they teach, but who they're designing their programs for.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the workforce, while career and technical education is evolving alongside it. As employers integrate AI into more industries, educators are exploring how to prepare students for jobs that increasingly rely on these technologies.In this episode, host Jason Altmire speaks with Michael Connet, Associate Deputy Executive Director of the Association for Career and Technical Education and Shawn Freie, Workforce Development Coordinator of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. They discuss why hands-on experience with AI tools is becoming important for students entering technical fields and why maintaining a human-centered approach will remain essential as these technologies continue to develop.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

For perhaps the first time in American history, the United States is facing the prospect of a decline in its working age population. As various trades and health care industries face mass worker shortages and artificial intelligence disrupts some entry-level job fields, how can employers and workers thrive? Today's guest, Burning Glass Institute Chief Economist Gad Levanon, tells host Jason Altmire about the importance of both improving wages for in-demand professions like registered nurses and breaking down longstanding barriers to women in highly male-dominated professions like truck driving. Levanon also says it's vital to embrace new tools like artificial intelligence, saying that these tools are here to stay and can ultimately help employers and industries innovate.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

On this episode of Career Education Report, former Massachusetts Governor and current Education at Work CEO Jane Swift joins host Jason Altmire to explain why experience has become the real gatekeeper to career success. She outlines why internships, work-based learning, and competency-based models are increasingly essential as degrees alone no longer guarantee workforce readiness. She also discusses how AI is reshaping mid-skill careers and elevating the importance of communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

As Career Education Report embarks on its next one hundred episodes, host Jason Altmire sits down with Colorado's Governor Jared Polis to discuss how states can better align higher education systems with workforce and economic outcome. Drawing on his experience as Colorado's governor and Chair of the National Governors Association, Polis outlines a bipartisan approach to workforce development that emphasizes credential value, employer engagement, and clear pathways from education to employment. This episode is a must-listen for higher education leaders focused on workforce alignment and student success.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

For Career Education Report's 100th episode, host Jason Altmire is joined by Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent for an in-depth conversation on the direction of higher education and what it means for students, institutions, and taxpayers. A first-generation college student himself, Under Secretary Kent reflects on how his personal experience shapes his approach to higher education policy and the nation's student loan portfolio.  The discussion explores how the Department of Education is balancing affordability, accountability, and accessibility while working to bring greater stability to a regulatory environment long defined by uncertainty. The Under Secretary shares insights on how consensus was reached at the last three negotiated rulemakings, addresses the FAFSA lower-earnings indicator, discusses enforcement actions, and highlights how federal policy can better connect education with workforce demand. This episode offers a candid look at the priorities and policy choices defining the next chapter of higher education. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Artificial intelligence is changing how jobs are done, but will it replace people or transform the trades? In this episode, author, public speaker, and Future of Work and AI advisor Kelly Monahan joins host Jason Altmire to explain how AI is amplifying human skills rather than eliminating them. She introduces the rise of gray-collar roles that combine hands-on expertise with technology across skilled trades, healthcare, and technical fields, and explains why human and AI teams consistently outperform individuals. Listeners will gain practical insight on how leaders can prepare their workforce for rapid change while keeping human judgment and value at the center.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Higher education is operating in a more competitive, consumer-driven environment than ever before, and new data shows what actually moves the needle. In this episode, Patrick Patterson, CEO of Level Agency, and Prithwi Dasgupta, President of LeadSquared North America, join host Jason Altmire to unpack national benchmarking data, analyzing more than 500,000 student inquiries and $100 million in higher education advertising spend.The conversation explores what the data reveals about enrollment performance today, including why responding to student inquiries within the first five minutes leads to significantly higher conversion rates, how channel mix and brand building impact cost per enrollment, and where many institutions are misallocating their marketing dollars. Listen now and learn how to adjust your marketing strategy!Learn more about Level Agency here.Learn more about LeadSquared here.Read the report here.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

First: A conversation with National Farmers Union's Mike Stranz – about the state of the U.S. agriculture industry, including the impact of the Trump tariffs and the recently announced aid package to farmers. Then: Career Education Colleges and Universities President & CEO Jason Altmire discusses a new poll that examines Americans' declining attitudes on the value of a four-year college degree, and educational alternatives to it. And finally: Author, law professor, and ABC News legal contributor Kim Wehle discusses the use of executive power by the Trump Administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a time when middle-skills jobs can offer salaries over $55,000 annually without requiring a bachelor's degree, the U.S. still isn't producing enough workers to fill these roles. Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) Director of Research, Zack Mabel, joins host Jason Altmire to discuss CEW's recent report, Missed Opportunities: Credential Shortages in Programs Aligned with High-Paying Middle-Skills Jobs in 55 US Metro Areas. Together, they explore the structural and cultural forces behind the middle-skills gap and why certain sectors, especially the trades, face staggering shortages. The conversation highlights metro-level variations, the persistent impact of “college-for-all” messaging, and the nuances of credential shortages and surpluses in healthcare fields specifically. The episode offers a fresh perspective on how institutions can expand opportunity without defaulting to the four-year degree.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

America's shortage of skilled construction workers isn't just an industry issue; it's a problem for communities nationwide. Today's guest, Building Talent Foundation CEO Branka Minic, tells host Jason Altmire that without enough framers, roofers, electricians, and other tradespeople, the entire housing market and economy feel the strain. And with 40% of the industry expected to retire by 2031, solutions are needed fast.Minic says her organization is tackling this challenge head on, offering career coaching to more than 200,000 young people and helping 5,000 disadvantaged workers start new careers. She explains why rebuilding America's skilled trades pipeline means healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities — and why investing in people is the key to rebuilding the nation's future.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Torrie Jasuwan has held many titles over the years – hairdresser, businesswoman, millionaire matchmaker, real estate agent, and more. But the throughline of all of those careers and experiences, she tells host Jason Altmire, are the trades.Jasuwan shares her passion for supporting women in the skilled trades and discusses how hands-on careers can lead to a six-figure salary with the right training. She also explains why trade skills are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world — and how they can make workers indispensable in an ever-changing economy.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Today's college students are more diverse than ever, hailing from every background, region, and stage of life. American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President Dr. Charles Welch tells host Jason Altmire how regional public universities are meeting the needs of this new student demographic. Representing more than 500 campuses in nearly every state and educating about 70% of public undergraduates, AASCU institutions play a vital role in workforce development. Dr. Welch explains how these universities are bridging the divide between traditional humanities and liberal arts with a workforce-based educational process in a way that—while addressing fundamental challenges like cost and scalability that workforce programs nationwide face.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Digital Media Solutions helps trade schools nationwide by delivering compliant, high-intent students across programs like healthcare, IT, HVAC and cosmetology. Through their owned-and-operated site, TradeCollege.org, DMS generates over 100,000 monthly searches for trade programs. Delivering inbound calls, high-intent leads by program and location, and clicks from students actively exploring enrollment opportunities, DMS helps institutions fill classes and boost starts. With targeting designed around each school's goals and compliance needs, DMS is more than a lead vendor, they're a true partner in driving enrollments. Learn more at digitalmediasolutions.com.

Closing America's skills gap isn't just about opportunity awareness—it's about breaking the stigma around career education. Skilled Careers Coalition advisory board member Mark Hedstrom joins host Jason Altmire to explain what it takes to inspire young people to explore careers outside the traditional four-year degree. From authentic storytelling to meeting students where they are on TikTok and Instagram, Hedstrom shares how to connect with Gen Z in ways that actually resonate. He also highlights the exciting opportunities in today's skilled careers and why the next generation deserves a clearer, stigma-free pathway into the workforce.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Digital Media Solutions helps trade schools nationwide by delivering compliant, high-intent students across programs like healthcare, IT, HVAC and cosmetology. Through their owned-and-operated site, TradeCollege.org, DMS generates over 100,000 monthly searches for trade programs. Delivering inbound calls, high-intent leads by program and location, and clicks from students actively exploring enrollment opportunities, DMS helps institutions fill classes and boost starts. With targeting designed around each school's goals and compliance needs, DMS is more than a lead vendor, they're a true partner in driving enrollments. Learn more at digitalmediasolutions.com.

Amidst a constantly shifting legal and regulatory environment, Melanie Storey, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), joins host Jason Altmire to discuss how her association is helping nearly 3,000 institutions navigate student aid challenges. From FAFSA rollout struggles to Department of Education staff cuts, Storey explains why sound implementation and transparency are critical for student success. She also highlights how NASFAA's advocacy is shaping federal policy to reduce barriers for students while strengthening institutions' ability to deliver aid effectively.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Sponsored by LeadSquared. Most enrollment platforms just aren't built for the fast-moving world of career schools.The result? Costly consultants, long implementations, and systems that don't talk to each other.LeadSquared is different. It's designed just for career schools—with AI-powered workflows, fast speed-to-lead, and seamless integrations.Implementation happens in weeks, not months—by in-house education experts who actually understand your business. No outside consultants. No inflated costs. In fact, LeadSquared's total cost of ownership is just one-third of traditional systems.That's why over 800 education institutions worldwide trust LeadSquared—not just as software, but as a partner.Visit leadsquared.com to learn more.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how higher education institutions attract, enroll, and support students, bringing exciting opportunities and new challenges. Career education leaders Dana Hutton and Stephen Arthur join Jason Altmire to discuss their new best practices guide in which they explore how AI can simplify enrollment, reduce barriers, and create better outcomes for students. They discuss how these tools can help improve the efficiency of the admissions process and enhance marketing, but only if there are clear goals tied to student success, proper oversight, and high-quality, well-organized data for an AI tool to use. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Sponsored by LeadSquared. Most enrollment platforms just aren't built for the fast-moving world of career schools.The result? Costly consultants, long implementations, and systems that don't talk to each other.LeadSquared is different. It's designed just for career schools—with AI-powered workflows, fast speed-to-lead, and seamless integrations.Implementation happens in weeks, not months—by in-house education experts who actually understand your business. No outside consultants. No inflated costs. In fact, LeadSquared's total cost of ownership is just one-third of traditional systems.That's why over 800 education institutions worldwide trust LeadSquared—not just as software, but as a partner.Visit leadsquared.com to learn more.

As America faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, StrataTech Education Group is stepping up to provide students with the innovative training and technology they need to succeed, regardless of their background. President and CEO, Mary Kelly, joins host Jason Altmire to share how StrataTech's trade schools are opening doors to opportunity through cutting edge-programs, including virtual reality welding simulations with Oculus headsets and the integration of robotic welding systems known as “cobots.” Just as important, Kelly highlights the strong culture of support and accountability that ensures students are prepared not only to graduate, but to thrive in their careers. With more than 6,000 graduates each year and a 90% placement rate, StrataTech has become a model for how career education can deliver meaningful ROI and life-changing results.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Sponsored by LeadSquared. Most enrollment platforms just aren't built for the fast-moving world of career schools.The result? Costly consultants, long implementations, and systems that don't talk to each other.LeadSquared is different. It's designed just for career schools—with AI-powered workflows, fast speed-to-lead, and seamless integrations.Implementation happens in weeks, not months—by in-house education experts who actually understand your business. No outside consultants. No inflated costs. In fact, LeadSquared's total cost of ownership is just one-third of traditional systems.That's why over 800 education institutions worldwide trust LeadSquared—not just as software, but as a partner.Visit leadsquared.com to learn more.

The Trump Administration has vowed to make "Make trade schools great again.” Part of their plan includes making billions of dollars available for trade schools by rerouting grant money and adjusting 529 college savings plan laws. This comes at a time when American companies are begging for electricians, welders, and others who can fill the essential jobs needed to fuel growing industries of the future like artificial intelligence. Dr. Jason Altmire, former Pennsylvania Congressman and current President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities, recently joined FOX News Rundown host Jessica Rosenthal to discuss the growing popularity of trade schools and the growing demand for their graduates. Dr. Altmire explained the importance of skilled labor to the economy, how the perception of choosing a trade over college has shifted over the decades, and how AI could impact white and blue-collar jobs. We often must cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire conversation with Dr. Jason Altmire and allow you to hear even more about the trade schools and the future of America's labor force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration has vowed to make "Make trade schools great again.” Part of their plan includes making billions of dollars available for trade schools by rerouting grant money and adjusting 529 college savings plan laws. This comes at a time when American companies are begging for electricians, welders, and others who can fill the essential jobs needed to fuel growing industries of the future like artificial intelligence. Dr. Jason Altmire, former Pennsylvania Congressman and current President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities, recently joined FOX News Rundown host Jessica Rosenthal to discuss the growing popularity of trade schools and the growing demand for their graduates. Dr. Altmire explained the importance of skilled labor to the economy, how the perception of choosing a trade over college has shifted over the decades, and how AI could impact white and blue-collar jobs. We often must cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire conversation with Dr. Jason Altmire and allow you to hear even more about the trade schools and the future of America's labor force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration has vowed to make "Make trade schools great again.” Part of their plan includes making billions of dollars available for trade schools by rerouting grant money and adjusting 529 college savings plan laws. This comes at a time when American companies are begging for electricians, welders, and others who can fill the essential jobs needed to fuel growing industries of the future like artificial intelligence. Dr. Jason Altmire, former Pennsylvania Congressman and current President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities, recently joined FOX News Rundown host Jessica Rosenthal to discuss the growing popularity of trade schools and the growing demand for their graduates. Dr. Altmire explained the importance of skilled labor to the economy, how the perception of choosing a trade over college has shifted over the decades, and how AI could impact white and blue-collar jobs. We often must cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire conversation with Dr. Jason Altmire and allow you to hear even more about the trade schools and the future of America's labor force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a rapidly changing and highly competitive educational landscape, how can schools take their learning to the next level? Today's guest, Nuno Fernandes, shares how American Public University System delivers affordable, high-quality education through a digital model. As the nation's number one educator of U.S. military members and veterans, APUS serves learners in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, and their digital delivery allows personalized education for all, no matter where they are in the world. He tells host Jason Altmire how the system's investment in AI and other innovative technologies streamlines operations, enhances learning, and prepares students for the demands of today's workforce. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Sponsored by LeadSquared. Most enrollment platforms just aren't built for the fast-moving world of career schools.The result? Costly consultants, long implementations, and systems that don't talk to each other.LeadSquared is different. It's designed just for career schools—with AI-powered workflows, fast speed-to-lead, and seamless integrations.Implementation happens in weeks, not months—by in-house education experts who actually understand your business. No outside consultants. No inflated costs. In fact, LeadSquared's total cost of ownership is just one-third of traditional systems.That's why over 800 education institutions worldwide trust LeadSquared—not just as software, but as a partner.Visit leadsquared.com to learn more.

President Trump is vowing to make the nation's capital great ... and safe again, working to federalize Washington, D.C., police, and bringing in the National Guard to fight violent crime. On Monday, the President declared a public safety emergency for the city, despite pushback from local officials like D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who says the administration's actions are unprecedented, unlawful, and unnecessary. While critics of the President's plan argue crime is down in D.C., former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker says increased law enforcement has worked before. Swecker joins the Rundown to discuss the President's announcement and weigh in on the state of Washington, D.C. Last week, the Department of Labor posted on X, "Make trade schools great again," along with a screenshot of an article about billions of dollars now available for trade schools due to recent changes to 529 college savings plans. The so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill" expanded how much one can spend on this type of education. It is one of the President's goals to reroute grant funding to trade schools. Dr. Jason Altmire, former Pennsylvania Congressman and current President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities, joins the podcast to discuss the growing interest in trade schools across the U.S. and whether artificial intelligence will eradicate some of these jobs. Plus, commentary from co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, Comfortably Smug.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is vowing to make the nation's capital great ... and safe again, working to federalize Washington, D.C., police, and bringing in the National Guard to fight violent crime. On Monday, the President declared a public safety emergency for the city, despite pushback from local officials like D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who says the administration's actions are unprecedented, unlawful, and unnecessary. While critics of the President's plan argue crime is down in D.C., former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker says increased law enforcement has worked before. Swecker joins the Rundown to discuss the President's announcement and weigh in on the state of Washington, D.C. Last week, the Department of Labor posted on X, "Make trade schools great again," along with a screenshot of an article about billions of dollars now available for trade schools due to recent changes to 529 college savings plans. The so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill" expanded how much one can spend on this type of education. It is one of the President's goals to reroute grant funding to trade schools. Dr. Jason Altmire, former Pennsylvania Congressman and current President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities, joins the podcast to discuss the growing interest in trade schools across the U.S. and whether artificial intelligence will eradicate some of these jobs. Plus, commentary from co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, Comfortably Smug.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is vowing to make the nation's capital great ... and safe again, working to federalize Washington, D.C., police, and bringing in the National Guard to fight violent crime. On Monday, the President declared a public safety emergency for the city, despite pushback from local officials like D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who says the administration's actions are unprecedented, unlawful, and unnecessary. While critics of the President's plan argue crime is down in D.C., former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker says increased law enforcement has worked before. Swecker joins the Rundown to discuss the President's announcement and weigh in on the state of Washington, D.C. Last week, the Department of Labor posted on X, "Make trade schools great again," along with a screenshot of an article about billions of dollars now available for trade schools due to recent changes to 529 college savings plans. The so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill" expanded how much one can spend on this type of education. It is one of the President's goals to reroute grant funding to trade schools. Dr. Jason Altmire, former Pennsylvania Congressman and current President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities, joins the podcast to discuss the growing interest in trade schools across the U.S. and whether artificial intelligence will eradicate some of these jobs. Plus, commentary from co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, Comfortably Smug.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if every math lesson could help students discover a new career? Dr. Joseph Goins, CEO of Pathway2Careers, wants to bridge the gap between academic subjects and career opportunities to answer the age-old question, “When will I ever use this?” He tells host Jason Altmire how his organization works to embed labor market data into daily lessons, helping students see the relevance of what they're learning. Goins believes that tools like his can become part of a larger shift in public education that helps students prepare for meaningful careers.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Sponsored by LeadSquared. Most enrollment platforms just aren't built for the fast-moving world of career schools.The result? Costly consultants, long implementations, and systems that don't talk to each other.LeadSquared is different. It's designed just for career schools—with AI-powered workflows, fast speed-to-lead, and seamless integrations.Implementation happens in weeks, not months—by in-house education experts who actually understand your business. No outside consultants. No inflated costs. In fact, LeadSquared's total cost of ownership is just one-third of traditional systems.That's why over 800 education institutions worldwide trust LeadSquared—not just as software, but as a partner.Visit leadsquared.com to learn more.

For decades, the “90/10 Rule” has limited the share of revenue that for-profit colleges can receive from federal student aid to 90%. But National Defense Committee Executive Director Bob Carey, tells host Jason Altmire that this rule has had unintended and harmful consequences for veterans. Carey explains how this policy treats veterans' earned education benefits like government handouts, restricts their access to career-focused programs, and undermines their freedom to choose the education that best fits their lives. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Sponsored by LeadSquared. Most enrollment platforms just aren't built for the fast-moving world of career schools.The result? Costly consultants, long implementations, and systems that don't talk to each other.LeadSquared is different. It's designed just for career schools—with AI-powered workflows, fast speed-to-lead, and seamless integrations.Implementation happens in weeks, not months—by in-house education experts who actually understand your business. No outside consultants. No inflated costs. In fact, LeadSquared's total cost of ownership is just one-third of traditional systems.That's why over 800 education institutions worldwide trust LeadSquared—not just as software, but as a partner.Visit leadsquared.com to learn more.

With an estimated shortage of 70,000 registered nurses nationwide, how can nursing schools help close the gap? Dr. Karen Cox, president of Chamberlain University, joins host Jason Altmire to break down the root causes of the nursing crisis and the bold steps her institution is taking to solve it. In recent years, the increased difficulty of direct care nursing work has made it harder than ever before to work as a nurse, resulting in a 30% turnover rate for nurses in their first year on the job. She shares why holistic admissions and flexible, real-world training models are essential to building a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. Sponsored by LeadSquared. Most enrollment platforms just aren't built for the fast-moving world of career schools.The result? Costly consultants, long implementations, and systems that don't talk to each other.LeadSquared is different. It's designed just for career schools—with AI-powered workflows, fast speed-to-lead, and seamless integrations.Implementation happens in weeks, not months—by in-house education experts who actually understand your business. No outside consultants. No inflated costs. In fact, LeadSquared's total cost of ownership is just one-third of traditional systems.That's why over 800 education institutions worldwide trust LeadSquared—not just as software, but as a partner.Visit leadsquared.com to learn more.

For decades, the U.S. has prioritized the four-year degree path, but millions of workers thrive through alternative routes. In this episode, Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), joins host Jason Altmire to discuss how one bipartisan proposal could fundamentally change workforce preparation. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act would allow families to use 529 Savings Plans to fund short-term credentials, career training, and workforce development programs. With strong bipartisan support and minimal federal cost, this policy shift could be the key to unlocking more affordable, practical education pathways for millions.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

To Chef Robert Irvine, the star of “Restaurant: Impossible” and author of the book “Overcoming Impossible,” career schools aren't just another way to acquire an education: they're the foundation of America. Irvine tells host Jason Altmire that his experience in the military and as an entrepreneur has shown him that industry-focused schools not only outperform traditional schools, but are on the cutting edge of training workers of the future. Irvine emphasizes the importance of teaching emerging technologies, such as robotics and AI and urges educators to focus on career training that integrates these cutting-edge technologies. Yet even as education and the workforce evolve, Irvine believes the heart of education remains the same: leadership and teaching are rooted in empathy, which is why he invests in people, not products.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

The idea that a four-year degree is the only path to success is becoming increasingly outdated. Dr. Michelle Van Noy, Associate Research Professor and Director of the Education and Employment Research Center (EERC) at Rutgers University, joins host Jason Altmire to explore the expanding world of alternative education pathways. From non-credit programs and short-term credentials to community college career training, Dr. Van Noy discusses how student decision-making is shaped by geography, industry needs, and field-specific constraints. She also highlights the critical need for better data to understand which programs truly deliver results.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

How can career colleges break through the noise and reach students who are truly ready to succeed? Wharton marketing professor Dr. Cait Lamberton joins host Jason Altmire to explore how strategic messaging, authentic influencer engagement, and attention to the true wants and needs of students can reshape education marketing. Drawing on her work with the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor, Dr. Lamberton offers insights into what really motivates prospective learners—and how schools can better connect with the right students, regardless of their competing priorities. Discover how smart, student-centered marketing can drive both enrollment and meaningful outcomes.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

As students increasingly move away from the traditional college experience, many are seeking more flexible, affordable alternatives. Mega-universities, large-scale institutions offering accessible, cost-effective education, are rising to meet this demand. Dr. Bryan Penprase, Vice President for Sponsored Research and External Academic Relations at Soka University of America, joins host Jason Altmire to explore how these institutions are reshaping higher education. They discuss how mega-universities are redefining access, quality, and value for today's learners—and what traditional colleges can learn from their rapid growth and innovation.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Is a college degree the only path to success, or are skills the real key to unlocking career opportunities? Lydia Logan, IBM VP of Global Education and Workforce Development, joins host Jason Altmire to discuss the growing shift toward skills-based hiring and the rising importance of AI proficiency. They explore how individuals can future-proof their careers, the power of alternative credentials, and what this transformation means for employers and educators alike. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In the U.S., 87% of congressional races are effectively decided in the primaries, locking in results long before voters head to the polls for the general election. This system encourages partisan politics and makes it harder for moderate candidates to succeed. Nick Troiano, the Executive Director of Unite America, joins host Jason Altmire to explore the structural flaws of the primary system and the reforms that could change the game. From ranked-choice voting to top-four primaries, they discuss how key changes could reduce polarization and create a political landscape that rewards moderation.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Higher education accreditation influences everything from institutional reputation to student opportunities, yet there are concerns that it has become more about bureaucracy than educational quality. In this episode, Christopher Bjornstad, executive director of A3STEP, joins host, Jason Altmire, to share his vision for a new accreditor that prioritizes student outcomes over excessive institutional governance. He also discusses how accreditors could better serve career education and skilled trades programs, which are often overlooked by traditional models. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

With 25% of bachelor's degrees and a staggering 43% of master's degrees showing negative return on investment (ROI), too many students are taking on student debt that outweighs the earning potential of their degree. Dr. Preston Cooper, a senior fellow at AEI, joins host Jason Altmire to break down his research on ROI in higher education. They discuss how tuition costs, low completion rates, and poor labor market outcomes create a ROI crisis in higher ed — and why taxpayers are unknowingly funding failing programs.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

As more students seek flexible and affordable education options, short-term Pell is emerging as a vital tool for creating equitable access to high-quality programs designed to meet evolving workforce needs. Kevin Stump, Vice President of Impact at the Education Design Lab, joins host Jason Altmire to share insights on this bipartisan initiative and its potential for transforming higher education. He also breaks down the Education Design Lab's micro-pathways and explains why these stackable, credit-bearing credentials are key to lifelong learning and upward mobility. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Darnell Epps, Founder and CEO of Thurgood Industries, joins host Jason Altmire to share his remarkable journey from growing up in Brooklyn's housing projects to graduating from both Yale Law School and Lincoln Tech. Together, they explore how job-focused education can bridge the skills gap, connect workers to in-demand careers, and uplift communities. Epps also reflects on the policy barriers that prevent greater access to career schools and discusses his mission to create workforce solutions through Thurgood Industries.

As 2025 ushers in a new presidential administration and potential shifts in higher education policy, host Jason Altmire sits down with Jon Fansmith, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and National Engagement with the American Council on Education. Together, they unpack the challenges of representing a diverse and sometimes conflicting range of interests in the higher ed community. Fansmith also offers thought-provoking insights on how data-driven accountability standards—focused on program success over institutional type—can pave the way for a fairer and more impactful higher education system.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In an increasingly polarized and misinformed world, the ability to think critically and debate thoughtfully is more important than ever. Aidan Kestigian, Vice President of ThinkerAnalytix, shares how college students can sharpen these essential debating skills without creating a combative environment. She encourages the use of tools like argument mapping – a powerful teaching method that allows a group to visualize their arguments in a way that allows students to discuss the topic more neutrally. Join host Jason Altmire to see how people can argue better and how to deal with misinformation in a debate.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

The gainful employment regulations put in place by President Biden will have a devastating impact on many schools and students. Low-income and underserved communities will be hardest hit, especially those with workforce shortages and large populations of women and minority students. Join CECU's Jason Altmire and guests Josh Vasquez and Felida Villarreal as they discuss the real-world impact the gainful employment regulations will have on the communities most in need.

How can some of the biggest companies across New York find skilled workers to fill gaps in their workforce? Guest Kiersten Barnet may have answers. She is the Executive Director of the New York Jobs CEO Council, an organization made up of some of the biggest CEOs in New York. She tells host Jason Altmire that her organization is aiming to build a workforce and education system in New York City that benefits both workers and employers.Barnet explains that they create connections between New York CEOs and local talent from New York schools with the goal of hiring 100,000 low-income New Yorkers by 2030. They offer opportunities for high school and college students to pursue apprenticeships in their area of interest, opening a pathway to eventually securing a full-time job at that company. These opportunities can help to overcome barriers that New York students face in getting a degree, as they can get paid in a job in their field while they learn. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Biden administration officials at the Department of Education are engaging in a pattern of unfair regulatory scrutiny of for-profit institutions without applying the same scrutiny to other sectors, Michael Brickman tells host Jason Altmire. Michael is an adjunct fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and education policy director and senior fellow at the Cicero Institute with extensive experience in higher education.A former senior advisor to the U.S. Undersecretary of Education under President Trump, Brickman, says the Department often identifies a for-profit entity to raise concerns about, leading to members of Congress asking an external group to investigate. Brickman claims critics or members of Congress will then use these reports to create a snowball effect against the entire sector, leading to stringent regulations and, ultimately, government overreach of the for-profit sector. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.