Twenty County Region Loosely formed geographic area

Twenty County Region Loosely formed geographic area

About SOIC Voluntary collaboration of five universities and colleges, six career techs and two councils of government. Formed in 2005 and funded through membership investment, U. S. Economic Development Administration and U. S. Department of Labor grants and in-kind contributions. September 2011

Our Collaborative Partners Private Sector Employers (Business & Industry) Oklahoma Manufacturers’ Alliance Oklahoma Department of Commerce Oklahoma Department of Education Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Workforce Investment Boards Rural Enterprises, Inc Local Economic Development Organizations U. S. Department of Labor U. S. Economic Development Administration

Mission: To reinforce and grow wealth in the southwest quadrant of Oklahoma by maximizing and coordinating workforce and economic development opportunities through a collaborative process.

SOIC’s Priority Focus Improving, impacting and connecting Oklahoma’s education systems How? By championing the support and alignment of education to promote business growth and job creation, giving Oklahoma a strategic sustainable advantage…

Career Pathways …Education with a Purpose

Typical High School Graduating Class § 80% PLAN to attend postsecondary education § 60% ACTUALLY attend § 40% Graduate § 20% Employed with a family-sustaining wage This leaves 80% either underemployed or unemployed.

What Is a Career Pathway? A career pathway is a coherent sequence of rigorous academic and career courses which lead to a diploma, degree or industry-recognized certificate or license. Pathways are developed, implemented, and maintained by partnerships involving employers, educators and community leaders.

The Power of Career Pathways § More students finding rigor and relevance… § More students transitioning to post-secondary “Career Ready = College Ready”. § Students demonstrating better skills; academic, technical and work-based. § Employers have access to larger pools of qualified workers.

SOIC & The State of Oklahoma’s Career Pathways Project Development Process Stage 1: 600+ Industry Needs Assessments Manufacturing Stage 2: Career Pathways Visioning and Stakeholder Engagement Visioning Session: community, industry, and educational leaders Healthcare Energy Education Collaboration Session education leaders from secondary and post-secondary Simulations Aerospace UAV/UAS Other Community Organization Collaboration Session executive level community organization leaders Stage 3: Professional Development and Next Steps Career Pathways Leadership Training Sessions Development of Career Pathways Implementation Plan New State Requirements… S. O. I. C.

Career Pathway Map What does it look like?

I t rne nte d ase B l oo T

K-12 Core Competences

Career Pathways Return on Investment ◦ Reduces drop-outs ◦ Reduces remedial course enrollment ◦ Increases number of students going on to post-secondary ◦ Increases number of students earning diplomas, credentials & degrees ◦ Aligns Oklahoma’s educational system with business and industry needs ◦ Drives economic and quality of life success

How You Can Help Advocate for and support the strategy of incorporating an Oklahoma Career Pathways model that will link our Secondary and Post-Secondary Education systems in support of workforce and economic development.

Career Pathways …Education with a Purpose Thoughts, Comments, Remarks? SOIC Career Pathways Presentation to the Oklahoma House of Representatives Education Committee October 27, 2011