Education and workforce development are at the heart of thriving communities. Yet schools, training providers, and workforce programs often face mounting challenges: declining enrollment, outdated models, equity gaps, shifting labor markets, and limited resources. Too many leaders are asked to do more with less — while the stakes for students, families, and local economies keep getting higher.
Rivers & Roads Consulting partners with institutions and workforce organizations at critical moments — when clarity, alignment, and bold thinking are needed most. Whether designing a new training program, leading a strategic planning process, or building cross-sector partnerships, we help leaders cut through complexity, engage stakeholders, and deliver results that prepare people for the future of work.
Crafting bold yet practical strategies to address enrollment challenges, equity gaps, and workforce alignment so institutions remain viable, trusted, and impactful.
Designing and refining programs that lead to meaningful credentials and connect learners directly to in-demand careers.
Building coalitions among schools, employers, training providers, and public agencies to maximize impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
Securing grants, appropriations, and innovative partnerships to fuel program expansion and institutional growth.
Designing systems to measure student success, program effectiveness, and job placement outcomes, ensuring initiatives deliver on their goals and giving organizations the data they need to improve performance and demonstrate impact.
When leaders work with Rivers & Roads, they emerge with clarity of vision, stronger partnerships, and a roadmap to meet both learner and labor market needs. Institutions are not just reacting to change — they are setting the pace, building systems that endure, and creating pathways that transform lives.
Examples of our work in education and workforce development:
Meet Our Experts
With decades of experience in workforce development and education strategy, Chris helps institutions design programs and partnerships that connect people to opportunity and drive measurable outcomes.
With deep experience in higher education and workforce training, Ruth helps institutions and organizations design programs that expand access, build skills, and prepare people for lifelong success.
Whether you’re expanding career pathways or transforming institutional capacity, Rivers & Roads is ready to help you achieve bold results that last.
