As an education intermediary, the Consortium has long connected schools with employers to create career exploration opportunities for students. Starting this summer, we’ll bring together educators, civic leaders, employers, community organizations, and post-secondary programs to continue this work.
Together, we aim to create more opportunities for schools and employers to connect, enabling all students to explore multiple career pathways while simultaneously building a talent pool for employers. We thank the Hillman Foundation for its support of our planning phase.
Several cities and regions throughout the U.S. have models we can learn from. Research shows that when organizations like the Consortium serve as intermediaries, students, employers, and regional economies all benefit.
“Our goal is to help build connections that put students in touch with employers and professionals who can offer career insights and guidance,” said the Consortium’s Executive Director, Jackie Foor. “As education-to-career pathways intermediaries have evolved nationwide, we’ve seen how these organizations have opened more opportunities for students while contributing to economic growth.”
A study from the consulting firm, Education Strategy Group (ESG), based in Chevy Chase, MD, estimated that there are some 200 intermediaries operating nationwide like Phoenix-based ElevateEdAZ, YouthForce NOLA, and Career Connect Washington. Through their research, ESG found these organizations have considerable, positive impact on workforce development in their regions.
Among services that intermediaries can uniquely perform is creating cross-sector partnerships that connect employers, post-secondary training, and community organizations with schools. They also can offer training and support to employers and others not accustomed to working with students; serve as points of contact for all players; assist in pathway design; establish data collection mechanisms; and promote the importance of pathway creation through advocacy and engagement with policymakers.
The approaches intermediaries take to paving career pathways include some the Consortium has promoted like job-shadows, internships, mentoring, and professional development for educators.
The Consortium is sensitive to the unique needs of each community and knows that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We are excited to build on past experience and deepen collaboration across education and business to ensure that all students are well prepared for their futures and employers recognize this region for its robust workforce.
