Brookings released a new research brief identifying practices used by “excelling” community colleges that produce workforce credentials of value—defined in the analysis as certificates worth at least $45,000 and associate degrees worth $50,000 in annual salary. The brief uses Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System data, alongside qualitative inputs, and compiles recommendations grounded in findings published through the American Institutes for Research. The report finds standout colleges intentionally align programs with local high-demand jobs and expand work-based learning, including apprenticeships, internships, clinical rotations, work-site visits, and service learning. It also emphasizes academic advising and job-preparation supports embedded in coursework, rather than siloed interventions. For state and federal policy, the brief points to performance-based funding models, technical assistance for labor-market analysis, and more intensive advising and individualized learning plans. At the federal level, it calls for additional funding for work-based learning and career guidance and better data infrastructure to support Workforce Pell requirements.