In our role as a bridge between K12 education and the workforce, we are always looking to connect with national organizations to help us learn more and to promote the success we see locally between school and employer partners. Over the past year, we’ve had opportunities to engage with one of those organizations, Jobs for the Future, JFF.
The Consortium’s connection with JFF started when we joined their “75 Million Network”. The vision is that by 2033, 75 million people who face economic barriers will have access to quality jobs. We see ourselves in this work in the partnerships we help build between public K12 schools, higher education, and employers. Being part of this network and knowing that we are helping to contribute to this vision has been inspiring.
During the summer, Jackie Foor, our Chief Executive Officer, attended JFF’s annual Horizons Summit. This conference brings together people and organizations from across the country who are working to build partnerships that result in opportunities for those facing barriers to pursue pathways that lead to family-sustaining jobs. New to the Horizons Summit, was the opportunity to join JFF for their first Legislative Summit.
JFF invited conference registrants from targeted states to apply to participate. Jackie was selected to help represent Pennsylvania and to share how federal policy impacts our partners. JFF arranged for this team to meet with staff from the offices of Senator John Fetterman and Representatives Dwight Evans (PA-3), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), and G.T. Thompson (PA-15). Workforce development opportunities like apprenticeships, dual enrollment, credentials, and short-term training are especially popular with elected officials.
“It was exciting to be part of this inaugural event to share how schools and employers in southwestern PA are leveraging policy to create opportunities for youth to make successful transitions into the workforce,” said Jackie. During their conversations, she was able to share regional examples from our partnerships with the Neighborhood Learning Alliance, CCAC, German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter, and others, as well as the positive impact they are having for youth and the workforce in this region.
The Consortium continues to look for opportunities to connect regionally, statewide, and nationally so that we can learn from successful models. We are especially excited and honored to use these platforms to promote and celebrate the great work that is being done locally in this space and welcome exploring how we might collaborate with partners in this region to share these successes.
