(Washington, DC) – Today, the DC Office of Education Through Employment Pathways (ETEP) released a new research brief examining opportunities for the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) to expand programming to meet local labor market demand. The analysis, titled “Pathways to Opportunity” and developed in partnership with UDC, reveals which of the university’s existing programs align with high-demand, high-wage jobs in the District – finding that more than 80 percent of bachelor's degree students are currently enrolled in programs that lead to living wage jobs – and well as areas for growth in the university’s work to set DC residents on a path to economic prosperity.
“Alignment between UDC's degree programs and the high-paying, high-opportunity jobs available today in the District is vital to supplying the District with high-quality talent to continue its growth, ensuring our graduates succeed in the workforce,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. “This new research brief not only showcases how UDC is currently serving Washingtonians on the path to the middle class but also provides clear next steps at a time when the university is reshaping its place as the pinnacle of our public education system.”
This report's findings will assist UDC with delivering on the goal outlined in its 2024-2029 strategic plan to become the District’s engine for workforce and economic mobility. As the only public university in the District and as a historically Black university, UDC plays a critical role in the economic vitality of the region and provides pathways to opportunity by offering postsecondary and workforce training programs that support students along the educational continuum.
“UDC’s mission is rooted in providing a high-quality, accessible and affordable education that changes lives and impacts our community. This analysis affirms the value of our programs in helping students achieve economic security,” said UDC President Maurice D. Edington. “The university's strategic plan Delivering on the Promise focuses on increasing our capacity to meet the evolving demands of the labor market and serve as the District’s engine for workforce and economic mobility."
Findings in the brief also reveal less than 20 percent of associate’s degree students are enrolled in programs that lead to living wage jobs in the region. As UDC implements its strategic plan, there is an opportunity to leverage these findings to expand enrollment in programs that directly lead to living wage jobs, prioritize associate’s degree programs with clear pathways to bachelor’s degree attainment, and strengthen partnerships with employers who commit to paying a living wage.
The “Pathways to Opportunity” research brief is the second public analysis published by the ETEP since launching in February 2024. The first publication focused on access to career and technical education programming in DC high schools. More highlights from the office’s kickoff year can be found in its new 2024 Annual Report.
“In our first year, ETEP has set a clear vision for our work as outlined in our research agenda informed by feedback from more than 200 District stakeholders,” said Monica Dodge, Executive Director of the ETEP. “We look forward to continuing to partner with families, employers, community partners, and agencies to shed light on how District programs put residents on a path to economic mobility.”
In the spring, ETEP will publish results from the Alumni Early Career Outcomes Survey, which captures education, employment, and quality-of-life outcomes for nearly 500 alumni from DC’s public high schools. The office also has plans to build on this UDC research brief to highlight employment trends among UDC graduates by the end of the calendar year. These projects will offer context for quantitative data captured in the Education Through Employment Data System, which will generate new insights about education and employment outcomes for DC residents by the end of the year. More information can be found at dme.dc.gov/etep.