Skills-based hiring starts with a simple question: What skills actually matter? AIR and the @natlgovsassoc.bsky.social Center for Best Practices are helping states answer that question with a more rigorous, evidence-based approach. Read more from Gauri Rege: https://bit.ly/4ywhCrG

AIR will be at the @ncslorg.bsky.social #NCSLsummit 2026 in Chicago July 27–29. Visit Booth 4743 or schedule time with our experts to discuss using data and evidence to tackle complex policy challenges facing states and communities: https://forms.gle/bsaJhQAkVcotS3jt6

How do you sustain and grow Registered Apprenticeship programs? Our new impact story shares how we work to strengthen apprenticeship systems, expand opportunities in emerging industries, and create stronger pathways into high-growth careers. https://bit.ly/4fDKnLA

What if farmers had better access to timely, actionable data? AIR’s new Ethiopia project is exploring how data-driven resources can support everyday decisions in agriculture. More on the wheat chatbot: https://www.air.org/project/empowering-ethiopian-farmers-data-driven-resources

AIR state education policy experts will be in Washington, DC July 8-10 for the ECS #NationalForum. They will lead discussions on estimating early childhood education costs and helping schools navigate emerging challenges related to AI in classrooms. https://2026nationalforum.vfairs.com/

🎆 Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July as the U.S. marks its 250th birthday! 🎆

New: Understanding the NAEP SES Index from NCES’ Focus on NAEP series. The article explains how the index was built and how it adds context to 2024 Nation’s Report Card results. AIR research helped make it possible. 🔗 https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/focus_on_naep/articles/#/ses

What happens when youth help design the research about their own experiences? Our latest blog shares lessons from partnering with youth researchers—and why it leads to stronger, more meaningful findings. https://www.air.org/resource/blog-post/designing-research-youth-what-it-takes-do-it-well

What does Workforce Pell mean in practice? AIR’ Sudie Whalen breaks down key insights ahead of July 1—and resources to help simplify expansion. 🔗 https://www.air.org/resource/workforce-pell-expanding-access-short-term-job-training

As workforce needs evolve, AIR and the ACCE Foundation are working together to define key employability skills—and turn them into tools employers can use to hire and develop talent more effectively. https://www.air.org/project/defining-assessing-and-developing-core-employability-skills

This month’s AIR Health News explores affordability trends, prevention advances like a newly approved sunscreen ingredient, and emerging public health concerns—including alcohol use during pregnancy. Read more: https://icont.ac/51jjQ

How are education and workforce systems evolving? Our latest AIR newsletter shares research, insights, and updates, and what they mean for policy and implementation: https://icont.ac/51jdD

People with disabilities represent a major—and often overlooked—consumer market. New AIR research finds $674B+ in disposable income and $106B in discretionary spending. Explore the data: https://www.air.org/project/unlocking-purchasing-power-people-disabilities

“Connecting the Dots” at CCSSO's #NCSA2026 starts today. AIR experts are looking forward to conversations about aligning assessment and accountability systems to improve outcomes. Find AIR at booth #108 and learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/4w3xSOL

How can educators make informed decisions about AI tools? AIR is studying what works, what doesn’t, and what educators should know before adopting AI in the classroom. https://air.org/project/evaluating-and-comparing-ai-tools-teachers-what-works-and-what-doesnt

Workforce Pell Grants will soon support short-term workforce training. Beginning July, eligible 8–15 week programs can open new pathways to in-demand careers. See how AIR is supporting states: https://air.org/resource/workforce-pell-expanding-access-short-term-job-training

What’s shaping health policy right now? The latest AIR Health News examines Medicare Advantage oversight, enrollment and spending trends, and evolving Medicaid policies—alongside new research developments. Learn more: https://icont.ac/51iNb

Cash transfers boost incomes—but what about health? AIR experts examine when cash works best and why context matters. https://www.air.org/resource/when-do-cash-transfers-improve-health-and-save-lives

New AIR research with the Steans Family Foundation examines Chicago’s out-of-school-time (OST) landscape. Findings show opportunities to strengthen alignment, reduce burden, and expand youth access. https://www.air.org/project/chicago-out-school-time-landscape-study

New in AIR Health News: Surgeon attrition rates, major CMS policy updates, and emerging research on maternal health and behavioral health. Also: AIR experts head to #ARM2026 to share insights on workforce and patient-centered care. 🔗 Full newsletter: https://icont.ac/51ieG

New Workforce Pell rules expand access to short-term training. Starting July 2026, Pell Grants can fund 8–15 week programs in high-demand fields. States play a key role in implementation. Explore AIR resources: https://air.org/resource/workforce-pell-expanding-access-short-term-job-training

AIR has launched the new #NSF-funded Center for STEM Education Research and Translation, which aims to strengthen the movement of PreK-12 STEM education research to and from STEM learning environments. Learn how @stemedresearch.bsky.social is supporting #STEMEd: https://bit.ly/4dRkmqg

What’s shaping health, workforce, and education right now? Our May newsletter covers Medicaid changes, AI in workforce orgs, and more. https://icont.ac/51hWL

Pre‑apprenticeship is gaining momentum nationwide. With support from @asa-impact.bsky.social, AIR looks at how states are strengthening these pathways: https://www.air.org/project/strengthening-apprenticeship-pipeline-state-strategies-expanding-pre-apprenticeship

AIR experts are headed to #ARM2026 at @academyhealth.bsky.social in Seattle. Join our sessions on patient-centered partnerships, Medicare Advantage for veterans, and more. https://www.air.org/news/press-release/american-institutes-research-health-experts-present-academyhealth-annual-0

This week, AIR is at #AFA2026, connecting across the field. We’re highlighting our Ascendium-funded Upward Apprenticeship Initiative. Learn more: https://www.air.org/project/upward-apprenticeship-initiative-supporting-apprenticeship-intermediaries-and-community

The new AIR Health News covers major developments in health and policy—from preventable maternal deaths to AI detecting pancreatic cancer earlier, plus new Medicare coverage for weight loss drugs. https://icont.ac/51hId

The energy sector is changing quickly—and the challenges go beyond technology. AIR brings expertise in workforce development, policy analysis, and evaluation to help leaders navigate what’s next and build systems that work for people and communities. https://www.air.org/energy

Cash transfers boost incomes—but what about health? AIR experts examine when cash works best and why context matters. https://www.air.org/resource/when-do-cash-transfers-improve-health-and-save-lives

Underperformance isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. New AIR research shows low‑performing schools in Ohio struggle due to different mixes of underfunding and inefficiency—pointing to smarter, more targeted support. 🔗 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23328584261419108