Kilgore College in Texas will collaborate with Amazon Web Services to enhance the school's tech education programs and align with the evolving demands of the IT industry. The partnership is intended to equip students with skills in IT cloud support, software development and data analysis, fostering practical applications through hands-on projects and real-world experience opportunities.

Using prompts from generative AI can help your team boost soft skills such as creative thinking, empathy, active listening and resilience, writes Julie Winkle Giulioni, who offers examples such as, "What can I do today to let others know I empathize and actively listen to them?" "Prompts like these generate responses that -- while not always perfect -- offer a low-cost, scalable way for employees to own their learning and keep key concepts top-of-mind until they become second nature," Winkle Giulioni notes.

Sixty-three percent of eligible employees contributed to the nonqualified deferred compensation plans offered by their companies in 2023, compared with 61.1% during the prior year, research shows. The research also indicates that employers are becoming more focused on educating their employees about these plans.

Organizations can tackle the skills gap by recruiting from nontraditional backgrounds, offering mentoring and internships, and highlighting growth opportunities beyond salaries. Keep in mind the changing nature of cybersecurity, Sunil Muralidhar of ColorTokens says, adding, "Regardless of the specific specialization an individual might choose to focus on, creative thinking and problem-solving skills are the best skills an employee can have."

High-school athletes in Hillsdale Local School District in Ohio recently participated in Reading on the Court, during which they engaged in reading aloud to pre-K-4 students. Sitting on the bleachers around a basketball court, the athletes and Book Club members read to the younger students, who also received free books to take home.