What if I told you there are programs available to public high school students that would allow them to complete two years of college while working towards their high school diploma? What if I also said that these students have 98%–100% high school graduation rates and 87% associates’ degree attainment rates? In addition, 96% of those students who go on to achieve a bachelor’s degree recieve one within six years, compared to the national average of only 58%.
Aligning education delivery with business needs is one of our country’s most pressing imperatives if we are to minimize the increasing skills gap. The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) in Albany, New York, has answered the call to an ever-increasing need for high-tech skills to match the burgeoning migration of technology industries to the Tech Valley region. In 2009, CEG developed the Workforce Development & 21st Century Education Initiative, recognizing the need to create a mutually beneficial relationship for potential employees and employers alike.
The natural gas industry is a growing field that actively seeks local workers with knowledge of gas exploration and development. To aid in these efforts of creating a qualified workforce, ShaleNET combines the forces of the natural gas industry, training providers, and the public workforce system. ShaleNET aims to employ low-income, local workers in the Marcellus Shale formation region of New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Time Warner Cable launched Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) in November 2009 in an effort to encourage students to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning opportunities and career ventures. This five-year program serves as a supplement to President Obama’s Educate to Innovate campaign, designed to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in STEM topics.
On May 4, 2010 JPMorgan Chase announced a $325 million initiative to help underwrite the growth of charter schools in the United States.
The Central Florida Education Summit will be hosted by the Central Florida Partnership and sponsored by the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, in partnership with the National Chamber Foundation, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, and the Central Florida Public School Board Coalition.
U.S. News STEM Solutions 2013 will bring together business, education and government leaders who have long recognized the need to connect the dots between STEM education and careers. Adding to last year’s successful conference format, the second edition will give more dedicated time for these leaders to interact and collaborate.
