Forsyth Technical Community College recently completed its first initiative with Education Design Lab – the Designers in Residence 2.0: Accelerating Pathways program, funded by th Gates Foundation. This 18-month cohort focused on creating accelerated dual enrollment pathways for high school students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, enabling them to earn enough college credits to finish an associate degree concurrently with their high school diploma.

Education Design Lab’s president at the time, Bill Hughes, praised the cohort for co-creating “an actionable roadmap” to scale “learner-centered pathways” that adapt to an evolving economy.

Forsyth Tech has embraced the Lab’s human-centered design ethos, and is using it to fuel holistic solutions. One example is the Strategic Holistic Enrollment Management (SHEM) framework, which uses design thinking to streamline the student journey. By breaking down silos and viewing the student experience holistically, the SHEM initiative helps new learners get on the right academic path faster, saving them time and money.

Building on this momentum, Forsyth Tech was selected as one of five colleges nationwide for the Lab’s new Reimagining Community College design challenge. This initiative comes as the college develops its next strategic plan beyond Vision 2025. Through the challenge, Forsyth Tech will collaborate with peer institutions to craft future-proof skills training, streamlined student pathways, and applied learning opportunities, all guided by the Lab’s human-centered design framework. "As a student, it means a lot to know the college is planning for our future, not just the present. The focus on real skills and hands-on learning shows they understand what we need to succeed in a changing world," said Jeremiah Washington, a student who participated in the challenge.

Interim Education Design Lab CEO, Dr. Lisa Larson, noted that “reimagining community colleges isn’t just about innovation – it’s about ensuring these institutions continue to serve as engines of economic mobility and workforce development. By embracing bold, human-centered design, we can support colleges in their missions to meet the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s economy.” Forsyth Tech’s partnership with the Lab reflects a commitment to student success and community prosperity.

Watch the video

${prev-page}

${next-page}