Skilled Workforce Summit: What we learned

Thank you to all who attended and participated in the Skilled Workforce Summit! On March 13, 2018 the Central Florida College Access Network in partnership with the Higher Education Coordinating Council hosted a convening focused on adult learners and the benefits of education for employers, employees, and our community. CFCAN came together with HECC, the Helios Education Foundation, GuideWell Innovation Center, and Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College to offer a free event for representatives from Central Florida's local businesses, universities, government, and non-profits. 

Thanks to the amazing work done by the Collaborative Lab at St. Petersburg College, CFCAN has a real time record of the event. Click here to view the summary and download the real time record.

Mayor Buddy Dyer Proclaims March 13th, 2018 as Central Florida Adult Learner Day!

Central Florida College Access Network thanks Mayor Buddy Dyer for recognizing Central Florida’s adult learners and those who support them.

Sharon Lusk, who leads CFCAN Adult Learners Workgroup, and is Assistant Dean of the Hamilton Holt School of Rollins College, presented that March 13th, 2018 is officially proclaimed Central Florida Adult Learner Day. Within the proclamation, CFCAN and its collaboration with higher education, government, business and philanthropic leaders were specifically highlighted as making a positive impact on post-secondary education, talent development, and ultimately contributing to a robust economy.  To view the full proclamation click here.

CFCAN made the announcement during its Skilled Workforce Summit, which was led by the Higher Education Coordinating Council and in partnership with Lumina Foundation, Helios Education Foundation, CareerSource Florida and Florida College Access Network. The Skilled Workforce Summit was hosted and planned by CFCAN’s Adult Learners Workgroup, a partnership within CFCAN of active members of the Central Florida community from educational and philanthropic sectors that come together to plan and implement ways that our region can understand and support its adult learners.

Keynote Speaker Carl Camden: A Closer Look

Carl Camden is the former president and chief executive officer of Kelly Services Inc. Camden has significant experience and expertise in labor markets and labor economics, marketing and leadership. He has served on the board of trustees of the Conference Board, and as co-chair of the Policy & Impact Committee for Economic Development. He also serves on the board of directors of TopBuild, a leading installer and distributor of insulation products in the U.S. construction industry.

Carl Camden is an expert on the changing nature of work in the United States. Through his work at the Committee for Economic Development, Carl Camden earned the Excellence in Public Policy Award in 2012. Camden’s unique perspective gives him the insight to speak on how public policy, employment, and the nature of work can be effectively harnessed to give every individual their fair chance at success. Carl Camden advocates that businesses have an expectation to be engaged in good public policy and simultaneously be appealing to employees - giving individuals and businesses the opportunity of participation from all levels. (Committee for Economic Development)

Camden says, “We need to be the voice of reason in a time when it's difficult to be heard, and deliver solutions the country needs for long-term fixes to our economy. Only by improving fundamental American competitiveness can we make certain that everybody can participate in the American dream”. (marketwired.com)

Learn more about the March 13th’s “The Benefits of Education for Employees, Employers and our Community” here

Have a question or comment? Tweet us @centralFL_can

Why Adult Learners? Presenting “Destination Graduation: The Benefits of Education for Employees, Employers and our Community”

The Central Florida College Access Network and Heart of Florida United Way are proud to present “The Benefits of Education for Employees, Employers and our Community” on March 13th at the GuideWell Innovation Center.  You’ve heard about the convening, but let’s look further into what supporting adult learners is really all about.

On March 13th business leaders, representatives from higher education, students, and philanthropists alike will convene to discuss how our community can support its adult learners. This event is a part of “RISE to 55”, the statewide campaign to raise the rate of postsecondary educational attainment to 55% by 2025, led by the Higher Education Coordinating Council in partnership with Lumina Foundation, Helios Foundation, CareerSource Florida and Florida College Access Network.

Although 65% of all jobs in the nation will require at least some postsecondary education by 2020, only 42% of adults will have an associate’s degree or higher (Helios Education Foundation). In an effort to close the gap and drive attainment in Central Florida, members of our community will meet to discuss ways in which they can support their own adult learners. What practices are working for businesses to support their employees? What do adult learners themselves need out of their community? How can we work together to achieve “RISE to 55” and beyond?

What do you want to learn from the Destination Graduation: The Benefits of Education for Employees, Employers and our Community convening? Tweet us @CentralFL_CAN

CFCAN and Heart of Florida United Way Recognize Employers Offering Education Benefits

Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) and the Central Florida College Access Network (CFCAN) are looking to recognize local employers who are investing in talent development. 

Does your business or organization provide education benefits to employees looking to return to school to further their education?

Education benefits, such as tuition assistance, are a way to retain employees, attract new talent and enhance job mobility. CFCAN's goal is to help meet the demands of a growing workforce, of which 65% of the jobs will require high-quality degrees and credentials by 2020. Currently only 46% of our community fits that requirement. If your business or organization is doing something to help bridge this gap, HFUW and CFCAN want to know!

Nomination submissions are due by October 28th and the Top Companies for Adult Learners will be recognized in early 2017.

Questions? Contact us.