“Bridges to Empathy, Empowerment, & Innovation”
The 87th Annual International ACHE Conference, themed “Continuing Higher Education: Bridges to Empathy, Empowerment & Innovation,” will take place October 13–15, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year’s conference will explore how continuing higher education can build bridges that foster inclusive learning, empower professionals, and drive innovation across diverse educational landscapes.”
My Presentation
Connection as Compassion: Using Empathetic Case Management to Retain and Empower Workforce Students
This session explores the importance of empathetic case management in workforce development programs, particularly for non-traditional and underserved learners. Focused on a specific grant program, the presentation highlights how a dedicated Program Coordinator can proactively address student barriers through personalized advising, community partnerships, and timely interventions. Attendees will learn how intentional outreach, consistent student support, and referrals to resources create a strong safety net that helps students stay enrolled and succeed. The session also demonstrates how this approach aligns with grant requirements, ensuring both compliance and positive student outcomes. By the end of the workshop, participants will understand how to apply empathy-driven practices to support students, build meaningful connections, and improve retention rates in workforce training programs. This session is ideal for educators and workforce development professionals looking to enhance student success through compassionate, barrier-focused advising strategies.
Takeaways:
Actionable tips for incorporating empathetic advising practices into their own programs to better serve non-traditional and underserved learners.
A deeper understanding of how empathy enhances student retention and success.
Practical strategies for case management, outreach, and resource referral.
Insights into building community partnerships that support students’ needs.
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