Topics

RISE participants identified key goals and initiatives for the organization.

The RISE initiative focuses on supporting students in career development, retaining graduates locally, and strengthening the regional workforce pipeline. The plan is structured around three key strategies:

1. Addressing Barriers to Career Access

• Survey employer needs to understand workforce placement challenges.
• Review local student survey data on career choices.
• Study best practices from other regions via Chamber connections.
• Host a career summit with regional employers and educators.
• Explore housing partnerships (e.g., with The Nailers, Linsly School) for student interns.
• Improve transportation options for students commuting to jobs/internships.

2. Strengthening Employer-Educator Collaboration

• Host career fairs and “reverse career fairs” for hands-on career exploration.
• Build relationships between employers and educators to facilitate student job placements.
• Identify AI’s impact on regional jobs.
• Develop micro-credentials to help employees upskill.
• Educate employers on local higher education offerings.
• Evaluate job platforms like Handshake and Chamber website for effectiveness.
• Assign internship coordinators within businesses for smoother collaboration.
• Explore funding sources for internships, including grants and business partnerships.
• Implement micro-internships as short-term job experiences.

3. Expanding Career Pathways for Students

• Introduce early career exploration for high school students.
• Offer workplace tours and experiential learning for college students.
• Provide guidance for undecided students in high school and college.
• Develop job shadowing opportunities and promote student participation.
• Facilitate networking events like Business After Hours for student-employer connections.
• Expand dual enrollment between schools and colleges.
• Establish articulation agreements between two-year and four-year colleges.
• Promote entrepreneurship education and business acquisition opportunities.
• Support international students seeking U.S. job placements.
• Create a Youth Leadership program through the Chamber.
• Host a summer jobs fair for students.
• Develop career video promotions showcasing job opportunities.
• Implement a Business Residency program for students to gain diverse work experiences.

These strategic action items aim to create a seamless transition from education to employment, ensuring regional economic growth and workforce development.

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Key Outcomes

• Strategic Plan developed