Coalition for the Common Good expands workforce partnerships

The Coalition for the Common Good is growing a national model that brings higher education to employers and membership groups through flexible degrees, training and tuition benefits. More than 20 partners are now using the approach as the coalition enters its fourth year, with programs aimed at helping workers upskill while employers improve recruitment and retention.

Why it matters: - The Coalition for the Common Good is trying to solve two workforce problems at once: giving working adults access to education without leaving their jobs and helping employers keep talent. - The model is built for employers and membership organizations that want flexible training and degree options for employees, members and families. - The coalition says the approach is already in use across the country and is expanding as demand grows.

What happened: - The Coalition for the Common Good said July 23, 2026, that it has expanded its workforce-development partnerships to more than 20 organizations. - The coalition is now in its fourth year. - Partner organizations can offer customized training, seminars, workshops, stackable credentials, credit-bearing certificates and tuition benefits. - Programs can be delivered on-site, on campus, online or in hybrid formats. - The coalition said the model is designed to serve partners coast-to-coast.

The details: - John Comerford, president of the Coalition for the Common Good, said partners can expect flexible, accessible and innovative educational opportunities that support their workforce. - Comerford also said tuition discounts for undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs can help organizations attract and retain talent. - InnoSource is using a program called InnoSkilling, which combines customized job training with higher-education credit. - Multiple InnoSkilling cohorts have completed the program, and InnoSource has reported stronger retention among participating employees. - Columbus City Schools is working with the coalition to expand access to school counseling programs, teacher apprenticeship pathways, management and leadership degrees, certifications and continuing-education opportunities. - Michelle Koppitz, associate vice president for strategic initiatives at the coalition, said the work is about reducing barriers to higher education by meeting people where they are, especially at work. - Other partners include AHMP, Behavioral Health Partners of Central Ohio, Blue Star Families, City of Columbus, Columbus Early Learning Center, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, Infant Massage USA, Kettering Health Network, LA Urban League, Landmark College, Maricopa Community College, Nationwide Children's Hospital, NEA-New Hampshire, OhioHealth, Premier Health Network, River Valley Community College, Service!/Cafe Overlook, Sinclair College and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. - The coalition directs readers to current workforce partnerships for more partners. - The coalition also lists more information online and provides partnerships@antioch.edu for contact.

Between the lines: - The partnership list shows the model is reaching beyond traditional higher education into hospitals, school systems, military bases, nonprofits and professional groups. - That mix suggests employers are looking for education tied directly to hiring, retention and advancement, not just generic training. - The coalition is positioning flexible credentials as a recruiting tool as much as a learning benefit.

What's next: - The coalition said additional collaborations are in development. - More partner organizations are expected to join as the model continues to scale. - The coalition will keep promoting flexible pathways across degrees, certificates and employer-based training.

The bottom line: - The Coalition for the Common Good is turning higher education into a workforce benefit, and more than 20 partners are now using that playbook to build talent pipelines.