EMSI CONFERENCE PRESENTATION BY KAREN ELZEY September 11

EMSI CONFERENCE PRESENTATION BY KAREN ELZEY September 11, 2012

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What is Skills for America’s Future? 4 Skills for America’s Future (SAF) is a non-partisan, employer-led initiative of the Aspen Institute. It is a national network of partnerships among employers, community colleges, industry associations and other stakeholders. These partnerships are designed to ensure that American workers receive the necessary training to meet the skill needs of employers, giving them the opportunity to obtain and keep good jobs.

Vision 5 America’s 21 st century competitiveness depends on a workforce that can contribute up-to-date skills to grow our economy. Providing Americans with the opportunities to develop these skills will benefit each individual in his or her pursuit of a fulfilling life and help make America’s businesses more productive, innovative, and competitive. To help achieve this vision, Skills for America’s Future will take on two key roles: 1. As a catalyst for change 2. As a thought-leader and constructive partner

Unique Features 6 SAF can capitalize on opportunities because of two features: Business As Full Partner Credible Broker and Unique Convener

Goals 7 Increase the Number of Employer. Community College Partnerships Grow a National Network Develop Peer Learning Opportunities Raise National Profile and Elevate Skills Issue Inform Policy Change

Partnership Types 8 Training a New Worker Pipeline Expanding Current Employee Skills and Knowledge Providing an Overall Community Benefit

Achievements 9 1. Identified, brokered or expanded partnerships 2. Shared models of success 3. Raised awareness of skills gap and solutions 4. Created a coalition of business leaders to support workforce development policies

PG&E Power. Pathway™ Program 10 Utility worker hopefuls climb to new heights.

Discover. Your. Skills. com 11

12 Grainger Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship Program Two Mississippi Gulf Community College students awarded scholarships Opportunities in the skilled trades Students receive a Westward® Toolkit upon graduation Images Sources: Mississippi Gulf Community College; Grainger

13 Thank You Karen Elzey Director, Skills for America’s Future The Aspen Institute 1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 karen. elzey@aspeninst. org