Sept. 13, 2026

The Stock Market for Education: Inside the New Accreditor Built for Workforce Pell - with Dr. Rebecca Busacca, President, The National Accreditation Commission

Key Takeaways

Dr. Rebecca Busacca discusses the creation and mission of The National Accreditation Commission as a new accreditor built specifically for Workforce Pell.
Fifteen years ago, the concept of this accreditor faced skepticism at the Department of Education and Department of Labor, but industry shifts have made it critically relevant today.
The discussion highlights how strict completion rates, such as a drop from 70% to 69%, could severely impact Workforce Pell programs.
The episode explores the concept of a 'stock market for education' aimed at better aligning employer demands with college curriculum outcomes.
Dr. Rebecca Busacca shares insights on innovation, accreditation standards, and the future of career-focused higher education.

It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Dr. Rebecca Busacca, President, The National Accreditation Commission

This episode is sponsored by the InsightsEDU 2027 Conference - focused on attracting & retaining the modern learner - where we will be podcasting live from February 23-25 in Phoenix, AZ! Use code EDUP & save $100! Early-bird pricing ends December 15, 2026!

This episode is also sponsored by 2026 Arizona Community College Administrators Conference where we will be podcasting live from October 7-9 on the campus of Yavapai College!

This episode is brought to you by Beyond Survival: Reporting from the Front Lines of Higher Education’s War for Relevance is a documentary account from the front lines of the most consequential upheaval in higher ed in generations!

YOUR host is ⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Why was the CEO of a brand new accreditor "laughed out of the room" at the Department of Education & Department of Labor 15 years ago, & why is everyone listening now?
If your Workforce Pell completion rate slips from 70% to 69%, why could that be a death knell for your program?
Could a "stock market for education" finally close the gap between what employers want & what colleges actually deliver?

Listen in to #EdUp

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Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dr. Rebecca Busacca?

Dr. Rebecca Busacca is the President of The National Accreditation Commission, focusing on modern accreditation models for workforce education.

What is The National Accreditation Commission?

It is a newly established accreditor specifically designed to address the needs of Workforce Pell programs and bridge the gap between education and employment.

Why are Workforce Pell completion rates so critical for programs?

Even minor fluctuations in completion rates, such as a drop from 70% to 69%, can threaten the viability and funding of specialized workforce programs.

What does the concept of a 'stock market for education' mean in this context?

It refers to a market-driven approach designed to closely align what employers demand with the actual skills and outcomes colleges deliver to students.