CORD)is pleased to announce the newest members of its national BILT Academy initiative. The 2025 BILT Academy Cohort 6 brings together a diverse group of community and technical colleges committed to strengthening employer engagement and aligning technical programs with workforce needs.
This year’s cohort includes twelve colleges from across the country, each representing a wide range of career pathways and emerging technologies:
- Central Carolina Community College – Sanford, NC
- City Colleges of Chicago – Chicago, IL
- Foothill College – Los Altos Hills, CA
- Green River College – Auburn, WA
- Hocking Technical College – Nelsonville, OH
- Kansas City Kansas Community College – CTE Division – Kansas City, KS
- Los Angeles Valley College – Valley Glen, CA
- Palm Beach State College – Boca Raton, FL
- Pitt Community College – Greenville, NC
- Stanly Community College – Albemarle, NC
- Tarrant County College – Northwest Campus – Fort Worth, TX
- Tompkins Cortland Community College – Dryden, NY
Each institution will work closely with CORD and industry partners to implement the Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model—a proven framework for employer-led program improvement. Over the course of the year, participants will engage in structured training, peer learning, and hands-on practice to strengthen their programs and build lasting industry relationships.
“The BILT model equips colleges to become more responsive and agile in the face of rapidly changing workforce demands,” said Ann Beheler, Director of Innovation at CORD. “Cohort 6 represents some of the most forward-thinking programs in the country, and we’re excited to support their journey.”
Now in its fifth year, the BILT Academy continues to grow a national community of educators committed to employer-informed curriculum design, ensuring students graduate with the skills they need to thrive in high-demand fields.
To learn more about the BILT Academy, visit: www.pathwaystoinnovation.org
Contact: Elizabeth Ahlers, Director of Outreach and Communications
Email: ahlers@cord.org | Phone: 254-741 8304 ext 304
Date: May 12, 2025
