Stephens College’s Workforce Development Initiative Builds Pathway to High-Demand Jobs
At Stephens College, workforce development isn’t just a priority—it’s a mission tied to nearly two centuries of supporting trailblazing women. Since 1833, Stephens has empowered women to reach for ambitious goals, and today the College is carrying forward that bold legacy by building pathways into high-demand, high-paying careers while strengthening Missouri’s economy.
Governor Mike Kehoe has proclaimed September as Workforce Development Month in Missouri, recognizing the vital role that workforce initiatives play in strengthening the state’s labor force and preparing Missourians for high-quality careers. In his proclamation, he touted the important role that higher education institutions, job centers, employers and organizations play to build a stronger workforce.
Partnering for Community Impact
Stephens is proud to partner with Reinhardt Construction, Millstone Weber, the Missouri Department of Transportation, Local 36 Sheetmetal Workers of Central Missouri, Central Missouri Carpenters’ Union Apprenticeship, Show Me Central Habitat for Humanity, Boone County, Emery Sapp & Sons, Missouri Employers Mutual, and Columbia Public Schools’ Douglass High School to create hands-on training and career pathways for women and co-educational high school students. These collaborations open the door to jobs right out of high school and help fuel economic growth across the region.
Through these partnerships, Stephens is not only providing hands-on training in the trades but also helping co-educational high school students at Douglass gain early access to career pathways. This training opens the door to good-paying jobs right out of high school, ensuring that young people can begin building successful futures without delay.
“At Stephens, we believe workforce development is about more than preparing for a job—it’s about opening doors to leadership, independence, and community impact,” said Stephens College President Shannon B. Lundeen.
“For nearly two centuries, Stephens has provided education that is deeply relevant to the world our students are entering, and today that means equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support to step into high-demand careers,” Dr. Lundeen added. “These programs not only change lives for the women and young people who participate, but they also strengthen the economy and expand opportunity for the entire community we are proud to serve.”
Breaking Barriers for Women in Trades
Fewer than 15% of skilled workers in fields like carpentry, construction, and transportation are women. Many face challenges such as the inability to take time off work, childcare needs, transportation hurdles, and the cost of required safety gear. Stephens is breaking those barriers with apprenticeship-style programs that allow women to earn while they learn and provide supportive services such as childcare, transportation, stipends, and PPE.
Stephens College, an innovator in empowering women since 1833, is also working with industry partners to upskill women so they are job-ready for opportunities in skilled trade roles.
Stackable Credentials, Real-World Impact
Stephens’ stackable certificate programs allow participants to earn college credit while training in the trades, building toward a degree if they wish to continue their education. Designed in an earn-and-learn model, these programs prepare women for historically male-dominated careers while opening new doors for advancement.
Current offerings include:
- Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program – A first step into trades like carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and highway construction.
- General Carpentry Apprenticeship Program – Blending classroom and paid, on-the-job training.
- Highway Construction Apprenticeship Program – Preparing workers for careers in road, bridge, and infrastructure building.
- Missouri Teacher Profession Program – An accelerated path for working professionals to become certified educators in high-need areas.
Looking ahead, Stephens is expanding its vision even further. The College is exploring new workforce development opportunities in health care, childcare, transportation, and other high-growth industries—fields where skilled professionals are urgently needed. These programs will continue Stephens’ tradition of aligning education with the evolving needs of students and the communities they will serve.
Part of a Statewide Effort
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is also commemorating Workforce Development Month by spotlighting programs that expand career pathways. Missouri ranks third in the nation for new and completed apprenticeships, thanks to collaborations with employers, higher education institutions, and partners like Stephens College.
Carrying Forward a Bold Legacy
For Stephens College, workforce development is more than job training—it’s about opportunity and community impact. By working with employers, schools, and civic organizations, Stephens is ensuring that Missouri’s workforce is stronger, more diverse, and better prepared for the future.
For more information about the Workforce Development Initiatives at Stephens, visit https://stephens.edu/program/workforce-development/
