Hord Coplan Macht’s Post

Since moving to Milwaukee, I had the chance to attend the MMAC orientation last week, and honestly, I left feeling so hopeful and excited about the future of this city. One thing that really stood out to me during the presentation was their career-based learning initiative. I’ve volunteered with high schools and universities before, and something I’ve seen over and over again is how unprepared a lot of students are when it’s time to enter the workforce. So many of them are still undecided or anxious about what career path to take, and honestly, it’s not their fault. A lot of people across the country are dealing with the effects of poor educational quality. It’s frustrating to hear employers say, “No one wants to work” or “These kids don’t know how to do anything,” when the truth is they don’t know because they weren’t given the right guidance or resources. And let’s be real, everything now is about quick results, but real change takes time. Investing in the workforce of the future isn’t about immediate results—it’s about building something that pays off for years to come. It’s been really great to see Milwaukee push for programs like this. It’s a good reminder that if we really want communities to succeed, we have to make sure everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Feeling really optimistic about what’s to come! #Milwaukee #FutureOfWork #CommunityLeadership #CareerLearning

#CommunityColleges are essential providers of the #education and training that people need to move into high-wage, high-demand careers. 💼 This #LaborDay, AIR #workforce experts Elizabeth Rutschow and Amy Feygin share key takeaways about what community colleges can learn from the success of #WorkforceDevelopment programs like Per Scholas, Year Up, and Project QUEST, Inc.. Their report identifies strategies like tailoring programs to #labor market needs, providing comprehensive student support, and prioritizing #workplace readiness skills that can be adapted to community college settings. See how: https://bit.ly/4dIvAMt

We've been working with Tacoma Public Schools, Elma School District, and Richland School District 400 to tailor career pathways to student aspirations and regional job markets. The result? More CTE programs, dual credit courses, and job training opportunities. Read more: https://bit.ly/49nDGsl #CareerPathways District Administration

Kayla Martinez grew up in small-town Roscoe, Texas, where opportunities for young people felt few and far between. The daughter of a mechanic and a nurse, she dreamed of a career in STEM—but finding a future close to home seemed impossible. Then, she found Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN), a program that offers rural students college courses and hands-on career training, right in their own schools. With CEN’s support, Kayla got on track to earn her associate’s degree by the time she graduates. “Now I can see a real future here,” she says. Across Texas, CEN is helping young people find promising careers in their communities and keep their talents close to home. This work is reshaping towns like Roscoe and offering students a future worth staying for. Learn more about this work: https://lnkd.in/e4SwZp2Y #CareerTraining #STEMEducation #RuralStudents #CareerPathways

As a former Director of College Counseling, I often struggled providing guidance to my students who were not looking at college as the next step in their journey. There wasn’t a toolkit, directory, or even professional development available to inform this process for the adults or the students we served. The post-secondary lens has evolved. With partnerships between New Visions, Heckscher Foundation, NYCPS and Robin Hood Foundation along with the Pathways Advisory Coalition, the collaborations have produced actual resources dedicated to advancing this work. EAF is excited to bring our Career Pathways Expo to our young men at our Eagle Academies and many other students in 40+ public schools across New York City. Our goal is to activate possibilities by creating opportunities where students of color can learn about the various career pathways that exist at earlier stages in life so they can make well-informed decisions. #CareerPathwaysExpo #CPE24

"The audit notes the investment in career-technical education programs in Woodburn, which led to 40% more participating students at the high school, and similar increases across Salem-Keizer, one of the state’s largest districts. That’s significant, as the hands-on, career-oriented programs often boost attendance and graduation rates, especially among students at risk of dropping out." -Rob Manning

We believe that building stronger, smoother, accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers is not only necessary to grow our economy, but also to address inequality in our communities. Our work leading the #AccelerateED community is central to this mission. We wanted to know, what would it take for every high school student to have the opportunity to earn college credits without the financial burden? To complete an associate degree one year after high school? To gain valuable experience and career preparation in a field of interest during high school? And while we are excited to tell you all about this work, instead we think it’s better to hear directly from the students who are most impacted by it. Up first in our new student voice video series, meet Qamar Ayyoubi, a rising senior at Kettering Fairmont High School in Ohio and nursing pathway student, is earning college credits in high school toward a degree and high-demand career in healthcare: https://lnkd.in/g8wRcZZS

Check out this blog post by Judith Cruz from our EdTrust office in Texas, “Houston Takes Steps to Make Sure Students Are Ready for College or Careers.” In it, she highlights how Houston ISD college- and career-readiness goal will ensure that students not only graduate but do so with meaningful credentials in hand or #advancedcourses under their belt that show they are ready for college coursework or a career. #CollegeAndCareerReady 

Dreaming of that college degree that leads to a rewarding career? 💼 Let's explore the essential partnerships between schools, higher education, employers, and community leaders that pave the way to success! Check out the valuable insights here: "https://okt.to/vq5TKR" #Education #CareerSuccess

As you know connecting all students to successful pathways - and ensuring students are lifelong learners is a major passion of mine, which is why I was thrilled to attend The College Board's #CBForum24. It was an incredible conference filled with such knowledgeable people doing incredible things in the field. While I was there, I had the opportunity to speak with WorkingNation Ramona Schindelheim for #WorkingNationOverheard – and we had a great discussion about the importance of post-secondary learning. As I told Ramona, “learning doesn't end the day we walk across the stage.” Take a look and let me know what you think in the comments section