In a recent Inside Higher Ed opinion column, JFF Chief of Staff David Soo makes the case that incoming First Lady Jill Biden could play a key role in driving innovation at community colleges.

He points out that community colleges excel at meeting the needs of workers and learners who want to earn degrees to launch or relaunch careers, face the challenge of continually learning new skills throughout their lives, and need the support of advisers, mentors, or career navigator.

But in a rapidly changing world, he adds, community colleges must embrace technological innovation to best serve students who are expecting a blend of virtual, self-paced, and in-person instruction

As a trusted voice in the White House and a lifelong educator, Jill Biden will be in a position to call on community colleges to meet this moment by encouraging them to partner with one another and with new technology and educational providers to enhance what they do best, Soo says.

“Jill Biden has the potential to be truly transformative,” he writes. “She can be a leader in the White House who lovingly challenges and encourages community colleges, as both colleague and leader, to continue boldly innovating.”