CCRI Recognized by NECHE for High-Quality Workforce Programming

WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has been granted recognition by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a non-profit, non-governmental higher education accreditor recognized by the US Department of Education, for offering high-quality non-credit workforce programming, based on a comprehensive evaluation of CCRI’s non-credit offerings.

Launched in 2025, the NECHE recognition program is an assessment model designed specifically for non-credit workforce programming. Distinct from traditional academic accreditation, this new designation evaluates non-credit programs to ensure they deliver high-quality, learner-centered experiences with direct industry and employer relevance. CCRI is one of only 21 institutions to have earned this distinction, underscoring its leadership in modern workforce education and validating its role in providing rigorous, workforce-aligned programs that drive both individual success and regional economic growth.

In its acknowledgment letter to CCRI, NECHE described the college as a “model for offering non-credit programming from which other community colleges could learn.”

"For decades, CCRI has been Rhode Island's premier workforce training partner, helping individuals build better futures while providing employers with the skilled talent they need to succeed,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “This recognition affirms what we have long known: CCRI is not simply delivering workforce training. We are setting a standard for excellence that other institutions can learn from."

CCRI continues to expand its workforce development portfolio to meet the needs of Rhode Island’s economy. Recent highlights include being named to the Lowe’s Foundation Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, a national initiative expanding apprenticeship programs. Locally, CCRI launched a new welding program with Senesco Marine and Polaris MEP, as well as an HVAC/R training program funded by the Office of Energy Resources. Additionally, the college announced a $4.6 million federal investment for engineering workforce development with the University of Rhode Island.

To further solidify its economic impact, CCRI is advancing plans for the proposed Workforce Innovation Center on the Warwick campus. Pending voter approval as part of Question 1 in this year’s election, the Workforce Innovation Center will serve as a regional hub for workforce education and career training in high-demand fields like construction, the trades, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, ensuring more residents are fully prepared to meet the needs of local employers.