Tag: technical education

Instead of Biden paying off student debt, let’s try this in higher education instead | Opinion

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OPINION AND COMMENTARY

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

Driller Cristo Flores, left, and Michael Manga, a rig manager, address a drill issue in 2017 on a rig in Midland, Texas. (Ilana Panich-Linsman/The New York Times)

ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN

NYT

As the election draws closer and record inflation wreaks havoc on the economy, President Joe Biden has dropped behind former President Donald Trump in nearly every battleground state. In a bid to regain ground, Biden’s administration recently unveiled a desperate proposal to wipe out student loan debt for 30 million borrowers — portraying it as a dream come true for young Americans.

Once you peel back the veneer of generosity, this action reeks of a blatant bribe to win the votes of young Americans. As imperative as it is to maintain our status as a leading global force with a proficient, unburdened and dynamic workforce, Biden’s politically driven maneuver lacks foresight. It fails to offer sustainable solutions for students and young professionals, instead burdening diligent taxpayers with an unwarranted bill. Instead, we should redirect focus toward vocational and career training in high-demand sectors, where skilled labor commands lucrative salaries.

It comes down to the numbers. In many cases, it has become a financially unwise decision to get a university degree unless you get a STEM degree. Choose whichever cliché proverb you like, whether it’s “rob Peter to pay Paul” or “teach a man to fish,” but Biden’s action won’t miraculously give these kids a higher-paying job or solve their struggle with inflation. Today, the average university degree costs about $43,000 and has increased 70% over the last 24 years. The only people benefiting from skyrocketing costs are the legions of administrative bureaucrats at colleges and universities.

It’s past time our country redefined “higher education” and reevaluated what it means to ‘live the American Dream.’ Our nation needs more workers ready to roll up their sleeves and do the “dirty jobs” that Mike Rowe describes. We need more blue-collar Americans to help rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and re-establish our energy independence.

Today’s youth should be encouraged to attend technical colleges. Students can get a degree in just two years, compared to four, and come out making the same salary, around $40,000, with some degrees paying nearly double. They’re also half the cost or less of a traditional university and have a hiring rate at about 90%.

The Texas oil and natural gas industry is always looking for hard-working individuals to keep the state the top producer in the nation. The industry makes up about one-third of Texas’ economy and pays billions in taxes and royalties each year, literally fueling our state government. About 1 million Texans work in oil and gas because it pays an average salary of about $140,000 — about 103% higher than other industries.

With ongoing international conflicts and inflation remaining high, global demand for energy remains vital. Texas has played a key role in providing that energy, with record production and employment in 2023.

In 2019, the U.S. became a net exporter of energy for the first time in 67 years, surpassing Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the largest producer of oil and gas in the world. This gave us affordable energy, thousands of new jobs, economic growth, and improved national security. Our country achieved this by simply empowering — instead of attacking — domestic producers.

America needs more skilled workers, not more taxpayer-subsidized bachelor’s degrees. That’s how you grow an economy, and that’s how you build a robust middle class.

Wayne Christian, a Republican, is one of three members of the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas production.

Wayne Christian

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April 26, 2024
ChooseU Launches New Brand, Continues Mission to Bridge the Skill Gap in US Workforce
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ChooseU will continue to serve its enrolled students with the same curriculum and career services as “Powered by Generation: You Employed”.
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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ChooseU was inaugurated as a national workforce nonprofit organization building/driving/fostering economic mobility for historically marginalized communities through relevant skills training, inclusive support systems and employer and community partnerships that enable graduates to launch life-changing careers.

Initially founded as Generation USA, Generation: You Employed, Inc.’s affiliate in the United States, ChooseU has served nearly 700 learners enrolled in its programs this year, with access to Generation: You Employed’s training curriculum and systems, as well as career readiness resources and services continuing through 2023.

“We are thrilled to launch our new chapter as ChooseU,” said Emily Schaffer, chief executive officer. “We built unprecedented scale for impact as Generation USA, and now we’re starting a new chapter because our country needs more pathways to family-sustaining careers, especially in historically marginalized communities where talented people are too often priced out of a college degree. In addition, the emergence of artificial intelligence and the rising costs of living make our mission more urgent than ever before, and we’re driven to direct the deep experience of our team toward this effort.”

“It is more important than ever to have access to affordable and advanced career training,” said Thomas Seitz, chair of the board of directors for ChooseU. “With the end of COVID-related protections, the growing cost of living, and the skills gap, ChooseU will provide vital resources, skills and support that enable learners to break into their fields as well-grounded and competitive candidates.”

As Generation USA, the organization served more than 5,000 learners and partnered with more than 10 community colleges and countless community-based organizations in over 15 cities across the country. It has seen a significant impact by serving:
- 86% of learners who are Black, Latinx, and/or from other racial minority groups.
- 57% of learners without a four-year degree.
- 55% of learners who identify as female.
In 2024, ChooseU will develop new programming and career services, independent of Generation, aiming to build career pathways and economic mobility in communities that are often overlooked but rich in talent.

For more information on ChooseU and its mission, please visit choose-u.org.

About ChooseU

ChooseU is a national workforce nonprofit organization that provides relevant workforce skills and opportunities to people in marginalized communities by offering access to comprehensive, career-ready training, inclusive wrap-around support systems, and employer and community partnerships. Its goal is to prepare and support learners in launching life-changing careers that will enable them to earn sustaining wages for their families and communities.

Source: ChooseU

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July 19, 2023
Generation USA Internship Program Gives Businesses a Competitive Advantage

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Funding support from management consultants McKinsey & Co. helps new workers gain training, experience, and connect with employers seeking diverse workforces.

Press Release
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Nov 17, 2022 09:00 EST

WASHINGTON, November 17, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Peace Ntaganzwa was looking for a way to launch her career. DUKE.AI, developers of an SaaS platform for transportation companies, was looking for talent. Generation USA brought them together, with support from the management consulting firm McKinsey & Co.

Generation USA is a nonprofit organization – part of a global network with 7,000 graduates in the U.S. – that transforms education into employment systems to prepare, place and support people in otherwise inaccessible careers in tech.

One of those partners is DUKE.AI, an end-to-end, AI-based document processing solution for the trucking industry. CEO Marcus Cooksey said working with Generation USA is a relationship that connects companies with talented people they often cannot identify or reach.

“It’s not just one of those things where you sign a piece of paper and say, ‘We have a partnership.’ I see that all the time,” Cooksey said. “It’s the active involvement from Generation USA that has allowed us to grow in our company and in the talent pool that they’ve provided. Partnering with Generation USA has become a competitive advantage for DUKE.ai.”

In 2020, Generation USA partnered with DUKE.AI to offer a paid data scientist internship. The goal was to provide learners access to the tech field, helping further close the opportunity gap for the students Generation USA serves.

Peace Ntaganzwa graduated from Generation USA’s Web Developer bootcamp program and used Generation USA’s Handshake system to find the DUKE.AI internship. There, Ntaganzwa learned the versatile Python programming language and how to use it to automate tasks and generate data.

“I’m thankful for the experience. It unleashed my potential to run,” Ntaganzwa said. With the skills and experience from the internship, she landed a full-time position as a quality development engineer at Amazon.

The Generation USA internships would not be possible without support from McKinsey, which provides funding for internship stipends. The stipends provide a living wage, allowing the interns to take part in the program and benefit from their experience.

“These internships are really meant to serve as a bridge towards accessing higher-wage, high-growth job opportunities,” said Esther Hong, career advancement manager at Generation USA. “McKinsey’s support has made a great impact for us and for graduates to date. Over 200 graduates have completed an internship, and we’re hoping to have over 300 complete an internship by the end of the year.”

Internships align perfectly with Generation USA’s mission of benefiting both workers and employers. Generation USA graduates increase their skills and their confidence through experience in the workforce. Internships give graduates an edge in seeking jobs, from both the work experience and the referrals from the people they work with—the first steps toward building a network of connections.

“Employers also benefit by gaining access to a diverse workforce, a talented workforce,” Hong said. “And as with all internships, it allows them to check out talent that they might want to hire on permanently, which we’ve seen several internship providers do.”

To learn more about Generation USA, visit https://usa.generation.org.

About Generation

Generation is a nonprofit that transforms education to employment systems to prepare, place and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible. The global pandemic has led to an unprecedented surge in unemployment. Even before the pandemic, more than 75 million young adults were out of work globally and three times as many were underemployed — and 375 million workers of all ages needed to learn new skills by 2030. At the same time, certain jobs remain in high demand and 40% of employers say a skills shortage leaves them with entry-level vacancies. To date, more than 38,000 people have graduated from Generation programs, which prepare them for meaningful careers in 14 countries. Generation works with more than 3,900 employer partners and many implementation partners and funders. For more, visit usa.generation.org.

Source: Generation USA

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November 17, 2022
Generation USA and Alive Credit Union Partner for Credit Union Member Services Specialist Program

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The free, fully online course will enable students the opportunity to interview with Generation USA’s employee partners.

Press Release
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Nov 9, 2022 09:00 EST

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., November 9, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Generation USA and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates have partnered with Alive Credit Union on Generation USA’s Credit Union Member Services Specialist Program, part of the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation’s (SECUF) Community Spark Program in Florida.

The tuition-free and fully online five-week program enables students to learn the basics of credit unions, contact/call centers, account management, and online banking, use policy and product knowledge to make appropriate referrals to members, and practice adaptive communication with members and colleagues, addressing member inquiries, and de-escalating upset members.

Credit Union Member Services Specialists work at credit unions as video tellers, in-person tellers, or call center representatives. They are responsible for providing exceptional member service through basic financial transitions and resolving member issues and requests.

Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to interview with Generation USA’s employee partners.

“We are honored to participate in the Community Spark program which supports our shared visions of people helping people and strengthening our local communities. This collaboration also complements Alive’s purpose of inspiring financial wellness by allowing us to provide important financial skills that will benefit the diverse talent group both personally and professionally,” said Rose Gunter, President & CEO, Alive Credit Union.

“We are thrilled about the growth of the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation’s Community Spark Program in Florida,” exclaimed Samantha Beeler, President of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. “By partnering with Generation USA, we look forward to helping adult learners develop the skillsets needed to advance in today’s ever-changing workplace. While industries across the country are currently struggling to find and retain trained workers, we are proud of the collaborative effort by Florida credit unions to continue to improve people’s lives, whether it is through credit union membership or by creating career opportunities for Floridians.”

About Generation

Generation is a nonprofit that transforms education to employment systems to prepare, place and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible. The global pandemic has led to an unprecedented surge in unemployment. Even before the pandemic, more than 75 million young adults were out of work globally and three times as many were underemployed — and 375 million workers of all ages needed to learn new skills by 2030. At the same time, certain jobs remain in high demand and 40% of employers say a skills shortage leaves them with entry-level vacancies. To date, more than 38,000 people have graduated from Generation programs, which prepare them for meaningful careers in 14 countries. Generation works with more than 3,900 employer partners and many implementation partners and funders. For more, visit usa.generation.org.

About League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents 311 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and has a combined total of more than $165 billion in assets and more than 11.2 million members. LSCU provides advocacy, compliance services, education and training, cooperative initiatives, and communications. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow LSCU on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Alive Credit Union
Alive Credit Union® is a not-for-profit financial institution founded in 1954 and continues to operate under the cooperative principle of people helping people. Alive is proud to offer full-service financial banking solutions to its members. Additional benefits include access to low loan rates, reduced fees, and a high level of personal service.

CareerSource Northeast FL Disclaimer
This program is brought to you in partnership with the CareerSource Northeast Florida: This program is fully supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture and other agencies as part of awards totaling $4.3 million (revised annually).

CareerSource NEFL is an equal-opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. For program funding details in compliance with the Stevens Amendment, please visit https://careersourcenortheastflorida.com/about.

Source: Generation USA

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November 9, 2022
Generation USA and Addition Financial Credit Union Partner for Credit Union Member Services Specialist Program

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The free, fully online course will enable students the opportunity to take the Call Center Associate Certified (CCAC) exam

Press Release
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Nov 3, 2022 14:21 EDT

ORLANDO, Fla., November 3, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Generation USA and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates have partnered with Addition Financial Credit Union on Generation USA’s Credit Union Member Services Specialist Program.

The tuition-free and fully online five-week program enables students to learn the basics of credit unions, contact/call centers, account management, online banking, use policy and product knowledge to make appropriate referrals to members, and practice adaptive communication with members and colleagues, addressing member inquiries and de-escalating upset members.

Credit Union Member Services Specialists work at credit unions as video tellers, in-person tellers, or call center representatives. They are responsible for providing exceptional member service through basic financial transitions and resolving member issues and requests.

Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to take the Call Center Associate Certified (CCAC) exam, and interview with Generation USA’s employee partners.

“Addition Financial is incredibly proud to be a part of the Community Spark Florida program and to partner with Generation USA and LSCU on this initiative,” said Natalie Nieves, Addition Financial Credit Union Corporate Recruiter. “Addition Financial was founded by teachers 85 years ago, so we are thrilled to align with a program rooted in education. Through this partnership, we are excited to help a student gain valuable real-world experience and career readiness skills.”

“We are thrilled about the growth of the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation’s (SECUF) Community Spark Program in Florida,” exclaimed Samantha Beeler, President of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. “By partnering with Generation USA, we look forward to helping adult learners develop the skill sets needed to advance in today’s ever-changing workplace. While industries across the country are currently struggling to find and retain trained workers, we are proud of the collaborative effort by Florida credit unions to continue to improve people’s lives whether it is through credit union membership, or by creating career opportunities for Floridians.”

About Generation

Generation is a nonprofit that transforms education into employment systems to prepare, place and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible. The global pandemic has led to an unprecedented surge in unemployment. Even before the pandemic, more than 75 million young adults were out of work globally and three times as many were underemployed — and 375 million workers of all ages needed to learn new skills by 2030. At the same time, certain jobs remain in high demand, and 40 percent of employers say a skills shortage leaves them with entry-level vacancies. To date, more than 38,000 people have graduated from Generation programs, which prepare them for meaningful careers in 14 countries. Generation works with more than 3,900 employer partners and many implementation partners and funders. For more, visit usa.generation.org.

About League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents 311 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and has a combined total of more than $165 billion in assets and more than 11.2 million members. LSCU provides advocacy, compliance services, education and training, cooperative initiatives, and communications. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow LSCU on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Addition Financial
Addition Financial believes in the power of transforming lives by bringing financial success and education to everyone. With a robust suite of financial services designed to meet members’ needs, the credit union serves more than 155,000 members at 26 full-service branches and nine high school branches, and is a part of the Presto! ATM network. Headquartered in Lake Mary, Fla., Addition Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $2 billion in total assets. With a legacy of more than 80 years of serving educators and supporting education, Addition Financial is the Official Financial Institution of the UCF Knights and owns the naming rights to the Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus. Addition Financial is also the Preferred Credit Union for Seminole State College and the Preferred Credit Union for Valencia College. For more information, visit AdditionFi.com.

Source: Generation USA

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November 3, 2022
Generation USA and Publix Employee Federal Credit Union Partner for Credit Union Member Services Specialist Program

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The free, fully online course will enable students the opportunity to interview with Generation USA’s employee partners.

Press Release
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Oct 24, 2022 09:01 EDT

TAMPA & MIAMI, Fla., October 24, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Generation USA and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates have partnered with Publix Employees Federal Credit Union on Generation USA’s Credit Union Member Services Specialist Program, part of the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation’s (SECUF) Community Spark Program in Florida.

The tuition-free and fully online five-week program enables students to learn the basics of credit unions, contact/call centers, account management, and online banking, use policy and product knowledge to make appropriate referrals to members, and practice adaptive communication with members and colleagues, addressing member inquiries, and de-escalating upset members.

Credit Union Member Services Specialists work at credit unions as video tellers, in-person tellers, or call center representatives. They are responsible for providing exceptional member service through basic financial transitions and resolving member issues and requests.

Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to interview with Generation USA’s employee partners.

“Our partnership with Generation USA fits perfectly with our credit union’s ongoing support of community education,” says Jeremiah Kossen, CEO of Publix Employees Federal Credit Union. “PEFCU is excited to be a part of the Florida Community Spark initiative.”

“We are thrilled about the growth of the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation’s Community Spark Program in Florida,” exclaimed Samantha Beeler, President of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. “By partnering with Generation USA, we look forward to helping adult learners develop the skillsets needed to advance in today’s ever-changing workplace. While industries across the country are currently struggling to find and retain trained workers, we are proud of the collaborative effort by Florida credit unions to continue to improve people’s lives whether it is through credit union membership or by creating career opportunities for Floridians.”

About Generation
Generation is a nonprofit that transforms education to employment systems to prepare, place and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible. The global pandemic has led to an unprecedented surge in unemployment. Even before the pandemic, more than 75 million young adults were out of work globally and three times as many were underemployed — and 375 million workers of all ages needed to learn new skills by 2030. At the same time, certain jobs remain in high demand and 40 percent of employers say a skills shortage leaves them with entry-level vacancies. To date, more than 38,000 people have graduated from Generation programs, which prepare them for meaningful careers in 14 countries. Generation works with more than 3,900 employer partners and many implementation partners and funders. For more, visit usa.generation.org.

About League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents 311 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and has a combined total of more than $165 billion in assets and more than 11.2 million members. LSCU provides advocacy, compliance services, education and training, cooperative initiatives, and communications. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow LSCU on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Publix Employee Federal Credit Union
Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) is a member-owned co-operative that was founded in 1957 to meet the financial needs of Publix Super Markets Inc. associates and their family members. PEFCU, with over $1 billion in assets, is ranked in the top five percent of credit unions nationwide. PEFCU maintains a five-star rating by Bauer Financial and boasts an “A+” in financial health. PEFCU remains committed to improving the financial lives of its members and continues to expand its membership throughout the southeastern U.S.

Source: Generation USA

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October 24, 2022
Generation USA Partners with St. Louis Community College on Digital Marketing Analyst Program

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The tuition-free and fully online program is part of the Verizon Skill Forward initiative

Press Release
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Aug 22, 2022

ST. LOUIS, August 22, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Generation USA and St. Louis Community College have partnered together to bring St. Louis-area individuals access to their tuition-free, fully online digital marketing analyst program.

As part of the Verizon Skill Forward initiative, a workforce development initiative aimed at preparing individuals for jobs of the future, the program offers students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful digital marketing analysts – from the technical knowledge to the soft skills that will help them achieve their potential.

After completing the program and taking an exam, students can earn both Google Analytics IQ and Facebook Blueprint certifications. Graduates will have the opportunity to explore different learning outcomes like apprenticeships, internships, continuing education or full-time employment. This program is part of Generation USA’s Training Accelerator programs.

“The digital marketing analyst training program at St. Louis Community College gives students the opportunity to become part of an existing and in-demand career by obtaining both the technical and leadership skills that lead to highly recognized industry credentials and full-time employment. We are excited to partner with Generation USA on this short-term accelerated training program,” said Lesley English-Abram, manager of community services, STLCC.

“We’re thrilled to partner with St. Louis Community College to help its students and community create a unique new pathway to career success,” said Emily Schaffer, Generation USA CEO. “The digital marketing analyst program will not only provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in the digital marketing and social media industry, but it will also allow them to explore other creative opportunities to help invest with these new skills to the local community.”

The Verizon Skill Forward initiative, designed in partnership with Generation USA, provides free online training to individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, as well as those facing job displacement due to automation or challenges caused by the pandemic.

In addition to the digital marketing analyst program, Generation USA offers a myriad of online reskilling programs that provide free resources, access to multiple career pathways and full-time employment opportunities in high-demand technology sectors.

About Generation

Generation is a nonprofit that transforms education to employment systems to prepare, place and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible. The global pandemic has led to an unprecedented surge in unemployment. Even before the pandemic, more than 75 million young adults were out of work globally and three times as many were underemployed — and 375 million workers of all ages needed to learn new skills by 2030. At the same time, certain jobs remain in high demand and 40% of employers say a skills shortage leaves them with entry-level vacancies. To date, more than 38,000 people have graduated from Generation programs, which prepare them for meaningful careers in 14 countries. Generation works with more than 3,900 employer partners and many implementation partners and funders. For more, visit usa.generation.org.

About St. Louis Community College

Established in 1962, St. Louis Community College is the largest community college district in Missouri and one of the largest in the United States. STLCC has four campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood. The College annually serves more than 50,000 students through credit courses, continuing education, and workforce development programs. For more information about STLCC, visit stlcc.edu.

About Citizen Verizon

Citizen Verizon is the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. Citizen Verizon empowers Verizon to deliver on its mission to move the world forward through action by expanding digital access and resources, protecting the climate, and ensuring people have the skills needed for jobs of the future. Through Citizen Verizon, and the key pillars of Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection and Human Prosperity, the company’s responsible business goals include providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030, supporting 1 million small businesses with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030, achieving net zero emissions in its operations by 2035, and preparing 500,000 individuals for jobs of the future by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.

Media Contact

Dan Johnson
dan.johnson@newswire.com

Source: Generation USA

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August 22, 2022
Generation USA Partners with Three City University of New York Campuses Through the Verizon Skill Forward Initiative

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NEW YORK, July 27, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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In connection with the Verizon Skill Forward initiative, Generation USA has partnered with three City University of New York (CUNY) schools: Kingsborough Community College (KCC), LaGuardia Community College (LaG), and the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to offer Generation USA’s career training bootcamp programs and support at no cost to the New York City community. Generation USA has served nearly 400 students so far throughout all programming.

Students in the free, fully online programs learn both technical and soft skills and receive valuable support to help them succeed. Generation USA talks to employers in the area to find out what roles are open. Then, Generation USA and its partners create a learning experience that uses practical, hands-on learning in an accelerated, online-first format. The staff provides instructional support and career and life coaching during a student’s program, based on their individual needs.

After a student successfully completes the program, Generation USA assists with the next phase of a student’s career journey by helping them to find full-time employment, internships, apprenticeships, or continuing their education. Students also become part of a growing alumni network of graduates.

Verizon Skill Forward training programs at CUNY include: Digital Marketing Analyst, IT Support Specialist, and Junior Web Developer. These programs typically run from 10 to 12 weeks and are full-time, Monday through Friday.

“Increasing accessibility to tech education is crucial at a time when there is a growing demand for tech talent,” said Christine Zagari LoPorto, Assistant Dean of KCC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development program. “It is important for us to work towards closing the opportunity gap in New York’s tech economy and prepare workers for careers that can be ladders to the middle class.”

“This program is perfect for people seeking to increase skills in their current positions or looking to transition to a new career altogether,” added Dr. Simone Rodriguez, KCC Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

“As our communities rebuild following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative programs like this to help New Yorkers eager to get back to work and provide for themselves and their families are essential,” said LaGuardia Community College Vice President of Adult and Continuing Education Sunil B. Gupta. “We are grateful to Generation USA and Verizon for their support, enabling these training programs to be provided tuition-free and to include wrap-around services and job-placement support. We are pleased to be the site for Digital Marketing Analyst training—a field that builds on our leadership in professional workforce training in technology and business development. We encourage anyone interested to apply today. To qualify, only a high school diploma or GED is required.”

“I am very excited about this partnership, which will bring much-needed technology training to our community,” said Anthony Watson, Acting Dean of the BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “The Verizon Skill Forward programs at CUNY are cutting edge and they offer a lot of advantages for the people we serve. I’m looking forward to the work ahead and truly appreciate the ongoing support and resources provided by Generation USA in this innovative space. Many students will benefit from this training and it will build their technical skills, which will prepare them to advance their careers.”

“Our goal is to help advance the lives of underrepresented communities within New York City, and we know we can’t do that alone,” said Richard Clemmons, COO of Generation USA. “That’s why we are excited to be partnering with these three campuses within the CUNY system through the Verizon Skill Forward initiative.”

For more information on the program or to apply, prospective participants and interested employers can visit the information site here.

About The Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at BMCC

With more than 300 courses offered in traditional classroom style, online or through on-site corporate training, the Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Borough of Manhattan Community College is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of professional and academic goals. For many students, the journey begins by taking an English-speaking skills course, earning a high school equivalency diploma, and strengthening their reading, writing, and mathematics skills to prepare for success in college. They also gain national certifications to enter the thriving IT or Allied Health fields. In close consultation with New York City employers, the Center’s staff and faculty work to ensure there is an enhanced pool of qualified workforce candidates. Whether students are looking to earn an associate degree or gain professional development that improves career opportunities, the staff and instructors at BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development are here to welcome, support, and inspire. Visit https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/ce/.

About LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, educates thousands of New Yorkers annually through degree, certificate, and continuing education programs. Our guiding principle Dare To Do More reflects our belief in the transformative power of education—not just for individuals, but for our community and our country—creating pathways for achievement and safeguarding the middle class. LaGuardia is a national voice on behalf of community colleges, where half of all U.S. college students study. Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his championing the underserved. Since our doors opened in 1971, our programs regularly become national models for pushing boundaries to give people of all backgrounds access to a high quality, affordable college education.

About Kingsborough Community College

Founded in 1963, Kingsborough Community College is Brooklyn’s only community college and is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). Located on a 70-acre campus in Manhattan Beach, Kingsborough remains firmly committed to its mission of providing both liberal arts and career education, promoting student learning and development, as well as strengthening and serving its diverse community. Kingsborough provides a high-quality education through associate degree programs that prepare students for transfer to senior colleges or entry into the workforce. Serving approximately 10,000 full- and part-time students annually and an additional 10,000 students in its expanding continuing education program, Kingsborough has earned recognition as a Leader College of Distinction for excellence in student success by Achieving the Dream, and has been identified as a Top Community College in the nation by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program seven consecutive times.

About the KCC Division of Workforce Development, Strategic Partnerships & Office of Continuing Education

Kingsborough Community College’s Division of Workforce Development, Strategic Partnerships & Office of Continuing Education has a long history of successfully executing workforce-training programs. Its broad range of programs promotes learning, enrichment and career and professional development. It has provided thousands with job training, college entrance preparation, and personal development, with a focus on careers in health, technology, business and trade.

About Generation

Generation is a nonprofit that transforms education to employment systems to prepare, place and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible. The global pandemic has led to an unprecedented surge in unemployment. Even before the pandemic, more than 75 million young adults were out of work globally and three times as many were underemployed — and 375 million workers of all ages needed to learn new skills by 2030. At the same time, certain jobs remain in high demand and 40% of employers say a skills shortage leaves them with entry-level vacancies. To date, more than 38,000 people have graduated from Generation programs, which prepare them for meaningful careers in 14 countries. Generation works with more than 3,900 employer partners and many implementation partners and funders. For more, visit usa.generation.org.

About Citizen Verizon

Citizen Verizon is the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. Citizen Verizon empowers Verizon to deliver on its mission to move the world forward through action by expanding digital access and resources, protecting the climate, and ensuring people have the skills needed for jobs of the future. Through Citizen Verizon, and the key pillars of Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection and Human Prosperity, the company’s responsible business goals include providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030, supporting 1 million small businesses with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030, achieving net zero emissions in its operations by 2035, and preparing 500,000 individuals for jobs of the future by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.

Media Contact

Dan Johnson
dan.johnson@newswire.com

Source: Generation USA

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July 27, 2022
Penn College, NJIT Get Nearly $8 Million for Apprenticeships

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Press Release
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updated: Jul 1, 2019

WILLIAMSPORT, Penn., July 1, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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Pennsylvania College of Technology (www.pct.edu) and New Jersey Institute of Technology (www.njit.edu) have been awarded a $7,996,530 federal grant to develop industry-driven strategies for apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing fields.

Penn College, a leader in innovative apprenticeship programs and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, and NJIT, New Jersey’s public polytechnic university, received the funding as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s awarding of $183.8 million in grants to 23 academic institutions and consortia nationwide. The goal is to further expand apprenticeships and address the skills gap. The educational institutions are partnering with companies that provide a funding match. The ultimate aim is to satisfy the industry’s enormous demand for trained American workers.

“Penn College has been addressing the skills gap for a long time,” said President Davie Jane Gilmour. “In the past few years, we’ve added apprenticeship training as an integral part of this effort. We are pleased to partner with New Jersey Institute of Technology to expand the reach of apprenticeship. Collectively, we anticipate providing training to more than 3,000 apprentices over the next four years. This collaboration will extend Penn College’s mission of creating ‘tomorrow makers’ and meeting significant industry demand for skilled workers.”

“We are extraordinarily pleased to be partnering with Pennsylvania College of Technology to provide on-ramps to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York citizens to high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing,” said New Jersey Innovation Institute Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Timothy Franklin, who also serves as NJIT’s associate vice president for business and economic development and special advisor to the president. “The apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs we will be able to offer through this grant will help employers in biopharma, lightweight metals, plastics and other advanced manufacturing industries meet the rapidly increasing demands associated with new technologies and processes.”

The advanced manufacturing sector will benefit from apprenticeship training for mechatronics technicians, computer numerical control operators, plastics process technicians, light metals machinists and welders, biological technicians, as well as shorter-term programming to fill gap needs in areas such as project management and front line supervisor.

Penn College’s innovative approach has led to many firsts, including unique multicentered delivery models, never-before-apprenticed occupations and blended training approaches. With a mutual focus on technology education and complementary programs in niche industries, Penn College and NJIT are ideally matched to address employers’ skills shortages through development of a multistate program.

Aligned with the Department of Labor’s interest in scalability, Penn College will share successes from three years’ experience with apprenticeship programs as it works with NJIT through development and launch, serving new industries, locations and occupations.

Penn College and NJIT have been designated for grant funding to create Modular, Industry-Driven Apprenticeship Strategies (MIDAS).

Goals for MIDAS are:

·       Reinvent apprenticeship models by reconfiguring existing, inflexible structures into leading-edge systems designed to meet the complex, rapidly changing needs of advanced manufacturing. This will involve the use of smaller training modules that are flexible, customizable and stackable to meet employer needs for multiple occupations and have seamless options for registered programs and academic credit for prior learning.

·       Retrofit and expand current registered apprenticeships and develop complementary programs applicable across the sector.

·       Create new modular apprenticeships in specialty advanced manufacturing industries aligned with Penn College and NJIT’s expertise.

·       Create pre-apprenticeships to increase the number of people entering high-demand occupations.

·       Continuously improve program effectiveness and scalability.

This grant program is designed to assist companies who have committed to building their skilled workforce and provides assistance toward the cost of training.

“The apprenticeship model of earning while learning has worked well in many American industries, and today we open opportunities for apprenticeships to flourish in new sectors of our economy,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta said in announcing the grants. “With 7.4 million open jobs and job creators searching for skilled job seekers, apprenticeship expansion will continue to close the skills gap and strengthen the greatest workforce in the world – the American workforce.”

For more about New Jersey Institute of Technology, a leader in STEM education, research, economic development and service, visit www.njit.edu.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu. For more information about the grant, please contact workforce@pct.edu or call 570-327-4775.

Press Contact:
Joseph Yoder
Associate Vice President for Public Relations & Marketing at Penn College
570-320-2400 x. 7218
jyoder@pct.edu

Source: Pennsylvania College of Technology

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July 1, 2019