Apollo Opportunity Foundation’s Post

For more than 50 years, PACIE Global has been educating Pennsylvanians about the Commonwealth's role and opportunities in the world. With nearly 13 million people, we're bigger by population than more than 120 countries. And our $915 billion GDP makes us the 6th largest economy in the US and a major global economic hub. Thankfully, the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro really gets the state's strengths and strategic position. Really appreciate the vision and commitment to smart competitiveness coming through in their report: "Pennsylvania connects America. The Keystone State is located within 500 miles of nearly 40% of the American population and over half of the Canadian population, with 25% of the U.S. population located only five hours from the Pennsylvania border. Our three major ports offer access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes, and our six international airports combine to move over 600,000 tons of material and 35 million people each year by land, air, and sea. Pennsylvania is a short distance to major domestic and global markets and can quickly transport products and innovations to national and international population cores." https://pagetsitdone.com/

ICYMI: Read the new ReadyNation California report on how we can equip all Californians today with the skills and credentials they need to compete in the workforce tomorrow. Learn more:

Last week, we had the pleasure of attending The Business Case for Second Chance Employment Conference held by Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity (CEO). At this specific session led by the President & CEO of Philadelphia's Federal Reserve Bank and the Dean of Wharton, Patrick T. Harker and Erika H. James respectively, a profound insight emerged: a critical aspect of the Fed’s mission—and indeed, a primary role of its leadership—is to actively combat unemployment. This session spotlighted the essential need to prioritize second chance opportunities as a strategic approach to mitigating widespread joblessness in our communities. Such a focus underscores the vital importance of inclusivity and rehabilitation in fostering a robust and equitable workforce. The Urban Pinnacle (TUP) stands in strong alignment with these principles, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to unemployment. Our mission, deeply rooted in empowering underserved communities through vocational training, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, resonates with the insights shared at the session. TUP’s Urban Empowerment Program (UEP) embodies this commitment, offering comprehensive pathways to employment that prioritize second chance opportunities for those who have been traditionally marginalized. This session's revelations not only affirm the importance of TUP’s work but also highlight our model's relevance in the broader context of economic strategies aimed at community upliftment. By focusing on second chance opportunities and the integration of overlooked populations into the workforce, TUP actively contributes to addressing the pervasive issue of joblessness, aligning with efforts recognized and advocated by economic leaders like the President & CEO of Philadelphia's Federal Reserve Bank. The alignment of TUP’s mission with the insights from this session reinforces our strategic direction and commitment to creating meaningful change. It underscores the potential for collaboration with economic institutions and the importance of our work in the wider ecosystem of workforce development and community empowerment. Together, we are not just tackling unemployment; we are building a foundation for sustainable community growth and resilience. Come join us as we further this discussion around creating a solution for marginalized and underserved communities across NYC. Join us on April 18th at 1 Pace Plaza for a roundtable introducing The Urban Pinnacle, in collaboration with Tamir Harosh and The Front Yard at Pace University. We aim to unite professionals, entrepreneurs, and supporters to explore solutions together. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e_cx_Cpr #SecondChanceMonth

"Public service is a career with one of the highest potentials to change systems. And it’s also one of the most overlooked." Bureaucrats, or better yet #herocrats, play an important role in society with real power to drive meaningful and positive change in their communities. Although elected officials are oftentimes accredited with power in government, government workers have unique structural powers to drive change. Herocrats author Allison Bell explores the ways government workers can be agents of change and innovation within bureaucratic systems in a new article: https://lnkd.in/gqZBf8YG

Priestley College are featured in the latest edition of BBP Media's #northwest digital title promoting how they are 'building brighter futures together' by working with employers to create better futures for young people. Read the full article below 👇 and check out the link to the edition here, where you will find it in our #education section on page 21:- https://lnkd.in/e_XScxyK #employers #partnerships #tlevels #buildthefuture

🤝 Employers in our region struggle to fill jobs and retain employees, not just for technical skills but also for the essential skills that a liberal arts education provides. Ron Cole, President of Allegheny College, shares insights on how a liberal arts degree can meet local employer needs. 🔑 Key takeaways: ♦️ Higher education, particularly liberal arts, can supply essential skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving. ♦️ Building partnerships by asking, "What do you need?" helps tailor education to real workplace needs. ♦️ Successful examples in Western Pennsylvania include Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity (ALIC) and initiatives at Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, and Carnegie Mellon University. ♦️ Closing the disconnect between higher education and industry requires relationship-building, challenging assumptions, and open collaboration. 📰 Read the full op-ed to learn more about how these partnerships can drive economic development: https://lnkd.in/ezAWF5-6 ATI is a Bloomberg Philanthropies-supported collaboration between the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, Ithaka S+R, and a growing alliance of colleges and universities dedicated to substantially expanding opportunity and access for low- and moderate-income students. More info →https://lnkd.in/eTa8wi8i

About the Impact Prize: The American education system and job market have long emphasized attending four-year-college as the primary path to attain a well-paying job and comfortable lifestyle. Increasingly, younger generations are questioning the value and return on four-year education and are looking for alternatives. At the same time, the U.S. economy does not have enough skilled workers to meet demand, with the gap projected to widen in the coming years. We believe this is a pivotal moment to embark on a long-term commitment to address the education achievement and career skills gaps in the United States. Today, people face increasing tuition costs and college dropout rates with limited on-ramps to earn livable wages that support families. The demand for jobs that require more than high school, but less than a four-year-degree, is outpacing the supply of qualified workers. There is insufficient emphasis on, and resources dedicated to, career and technical education as a means to increase widespread economic prosperity. The Impact Prize features those taking action to drive positive change in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape: the problem-solvers and innovators bridging gaps by increasing access to family-sustaining wages, career progression, and social mobility for people from all backgrounds. This $1 million open call is a cornerstone of the Iovino Family Foundation’s dedication to advancing economic prosperity for more people in the United States by promoting skills training, entrepreneurship, and investment in innovative learning technology. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eRng_bzp #impactprize #cte #workforcedevelopment #students #education #employment #innovation #careers #economicmobility #diversityequityinclusion

The direction we need to go today.

"Many young adults, especially from under-resourced communities, do not have access to accurate information about career pathways, including skill requirements and salaries, largely because this information is not presented in a systematized way." This is the problem I get to help solve every day. Things we can do.   1. Activate employer-led solutions. 2. Authentic collaboration. Educational institutions, non-profits, and industry must collaborate not just in meetings - but in practice as well.   3. Create shared outcomes and metrics that every "system" in the community is responsible for achieving.   No one organization, company, or training provider can do this work alone. It takes all of US together.

Unlocking the Talent Pipeline: The Secret Sauce Scranton Style In today's competitive job market, common sense isn't always common practice. Businesses and staffing agencies need to collaborate effectively, leveraging talent pipeline builders like the ones used in Scranton, PA—yes, the same Scranton from Dunder Mifflin in 'The Office'! Here's their playbook for success: Identify Critical Needs: Understand the specific skills and qualifications required for open positions. Embrace Soft Skills: Beyond technical expertise, prioritize soft skills like Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. Educator-Employer Partnerships: Forge strategic alliances between businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies. Engage Through Workforce Wednesday: Showcase open positions, company culture, and benefits. ABC = Always Be Connecting. Empower Through Workforce Initiatives: Invest in initiatives like Luzerne Learns to Work, providing students with resources to explore career pathways. Together, keep connecting with your community to create a workforce that's ready! #TalentPipeline #skillsgap