American youths and young adults struggle to make the leap from high school to college and onto a career. Even the brightest students often get sidelined because so much more than academic learning is involved. In this show, national expert and author Hans Meeder (from the National Center for College and Career Transitions) digs deeper into Career Connected Learning – the strategy that helps every youth learn about themselves, explore viable career options, and gain the knowledge and skills they need to move forward with confidence. In this show, Hans talks with leaders, both doers and thinkers, working at the local levels and also with state and national organizations who are pursuing all forms of Career Connected Learning. This show will keep you motivated as you move forward.
In this podcast, we will be learning about an innovative connection between a state flagship research university and charter schools that include an underserved population, with a special emphasis on increasing access to STEM careers.
Host Hans Meeder is speaking with Dr. Gary R. Bertoline and Scott Bess.
Dr. Bertoline is Dean of the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and a Distinguished Professor of Computer Graphics Technology and Computer & Information Technology at Purdue University.
To reach Dr. Bertoline by email: bertolig@purdue.edu
Mr. Bess is the Head of School for Purdue University’s Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis, which was launched in the fall of 2017.
To reach Mr. Bess by email: sbess@purdue.edu
More information about the Purdue Polytechnic High Schools
https://pphs.purdue.edu/
In this episode, we explore the new vision statement and report for Career Technical Education, called CTE Without Limits.
Hans talks with Kimberly Green and Kate Blosveren Kreamer, the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of Advance CTE, respectively .
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work, was first established in 1920, and is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State CTE Directors and state leaders who are responsible for secondary, postsecondary, and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices, and gives a collective voice to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career success for each learner.
You can get links to the organization at CareerTech.org.
To download a copy of CTE Without Limits, visit https://careertech.org/without-limits
As we move from a rudimentary credentialing system that recognizes high school diplomas and college degrees, the number of “credentials” of all sorts has exploded. How can the consumer seeking to upskill make sense of this?
On this episode, Hans interviews Scott Cheney, President ofCredential Engine, an organization working to address the credential boom. Credential Engine is a non-profit whose mission is to map the credential landscape with clear and consistent information, fueling the creation of resources that empower people to find the pathways that are best for them.
Credential Engine offers a wide range of freely available resources, as well as fee-based services that meet the needs of organizations managing credential and competency data. The fee-based services are tailored to your goals, whether you’re a government agency, credentialing organization, military body, employer, technology provider, or other stakeholder working toward credential and competency transparency.
The mission of Credential Engine is “Making ALL Credentials Transparent & Revealing the Marketplace of Credentials.”
Credential Engine Website: https://credentialengine.org/
Scott Cheney, Chief Executive Officerscheney@credentialengine.org
202.257.0279
Scott Cheney is Credential Engine’s first Chief Executive Officer where he leads the organization’s efforts to bring transparency to credentials and reveal the marketplace of credentials. Scott has over 25 years of experience and brings a multi-faceted perspective to developing the skills of the U.S. workforce to meet the needs of the economy.
Prior to Credential Engine, he served as the Policy Director for Workforce, Economic Development, and Pensions for Senator Patty Murray and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. He led the reauthorization of the country’s central workforce development legislation, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Scott also led the Senator’s work to reauthorize Perkins, expand registered apprenticeships, provide training for ex-offenders to support successful re-entry, formalize research and evaluation standards at the Department of Labor, enhance services and resources for dislocated workers, modernize unemployment insurance, and better align workforce and economic development in distressed regions around the country. Previous positions with the Senator’s office include serving as a Senior Advisor on the Senate Budget Committee, and as her Staff Director for the HELP Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety.
Before going to Capitol Hill, Scott formed his own consulting firm, working with a number of states, companies, foundations, and think tanks on a host of education, training and employment issues. He also held positions with the National Alliance of Business the American Society for Training and Development, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and worked with foster-care, homeless youth, and adult literacy programs. His first paycheck in this career path came from Dr. Seuss.
Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Carleton College and a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University.
This episode is sponsored by:
Seamless WBL, the web-based platform to easily manage all your work-based learning and advisory board activities. Go to: www.seamlessWBL.com
In this episode, Hans talks with Cate Swinburn, President of YouthForce NOLA.
YouthForce NOLA is an education, business, and civic collaborative that prepares New Orleans public school students for successful pursuit of high-wage, high-demand career pathways and facilitates systems change to ensure equitable outcomes.
Find out more: https://www.youthforcenola.org/
Cate Swinburn is President of YouthForce NOLA. See Cate’s biography at: https://www.youthforcenola.org/ourstaff
In the news:
This article in Education Next provides a helpful overview to the work in New Orleans.
https://www.educationnext.org/whats-next-new-orleans-most-unusual-school-system-in-america/
This episode is sponsored by Seamless WBL, the platform to easily manage all your work-based learning activities, both on-campus and off-campus! Check it out: www.SeamlessWBL.com
In this episode, we learn about the Academies of Grand Island School District in Western Nebraska. I’m speaking with Jeff Gilbertson, Executive Principal of Grand Island Senior High and Daniel Phillips, Director of Career Education for the Grand Island Public Schools District.
Grand Island is a thriving small city in western Nebraska. The city itself has an official population count of about 50,000 residents, and with the surrounding counties, the metropolitan area has about 85,000 residents.
Jeff and Dan have been integrally involved in leading a transformation effort for Grand Island’s Nebraska’s large and growing single high school (2500 students) into a series of Career Academies that include 20 college and career pathway programs. Every student in the school is enrolled in an academy. There is a Freshman Academy for 9th grade students, and five upper-level academies as follows: The Academy of Law and Public Safety, The Academy of Engineering and Technology, The Academy of Business and Communications, The Academy of Technical Services, and the Academy of Medical Services. Given the school’s size and close connections to the community, it has expanded to three total campuses, including a technically focused Career Pathways Institute, and other programs offered at the Wyandotte Learning Center. And. while the academies function as small learning communities for the students, the school still operates as one organization under the leadership of Executive Principal Gilbertson.
MORE INFORMATION (PRINT AND VIDEOS)
Grand Island, Nebraska (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Island,_Nebraska
Grand Island Public Schools Academies
https://www.gips.org/Academies
Overview of the Academies (Video)
https://youtu.be/O1W_I2kN7Cc
Exploring the Academies (Video)
https://youtu.be/pvp7jroer40
The Academy of Law and Public Safety (Video)
https://youtu.be/5YwumVoSnps
The Academy of Engineering and Technology (Video)
https://youtu.be/80lLpCbxv-A
The Academy of Business and Communications (Video)
https://youtu.be/90YNJ9_yqu0
The Academy of Technical Services (Video)
https://youtu.be/Ew24pS6ALsA
The Academy of Medical Services (Video)
https://youtu.be/FAAiqn6rvhY
In this episode, Hans interviews Dr. Rich Feller, expert practitioner and researcher on how children, youth and adults navigate career options and life transitions.
Rich tells his story and his latest work in pushing through new frontiers in career development education.
Learn more about Rich and his work at https://www.richfeller.com/.
About Rich
Helping individuals and organizations maximize talent by reimagining work, learning and well-being choices. Inspired by education's promise, I try to honor learning styles, promote access and provide clarity about navigating a lifetime of transitions. Former National Career Development Association President, consultant in all 50 states and six continents.
Awarded the University Distinguished Teaching Scholar status at Colorado State University, I consult on national projects, create career development tools, keynote, train, and research trends. Within www.lifereimagined.org (face-to-face and digital program for 40M+), www.youscience.com (aptitude assessment), www.cdminternet.com (and print version used by 14M+), www.valerproductions.com(CINE award winning), OneLifeTools, Inc. (face-to-face and virtual board game, online storyteller, and ConversationsMatter.life), and Senior Research Scholar within the Dept. of Elect and Computer Engineering. I collaborate to scale innovation and ideas.
Clients include Emerson, NFL, Jackson Financial, NASA, NSF, the UN, Asian Development Bank, Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs, Korea's Seoul Tech, China's Renmin University, and Peru’s First Lady.
Involvements: Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), Nationally Certified Career Counselor (NCCC) Licensed Professional Counselor, NCDA Fellow and recipient of the NCDA Eminent Career Award. I work to connect counseling, coaching and consulting concepts within large scale projects.
Vocational school and college admissions counselor, and parent educator - early adopter of ACT’s Decide Program, basketball coach, various part-time jobs. Training by Albert Ellis, Carl Rogers, and Richard Bolles I learned to appreciate rational thinking, reflection's power, and skill identification. Within NIU's counselor ed faculty I was mentored by David Tiedeman, career information systems and designing careers visionary. Mark Savickas, Richard Leider, Joe Vasos, Mark Franklin, and Richard Rohr influence me greatly.
Family: Barbara, my best friend (wife) and physical therapist, and Chris, my hero (son), shape my decisions.
http://www.richfeller.com/
In this episode, Hans Meeder talks with Rachael Mann, a noted author and speaker who focuses on STEM education and STEM-related careers.
Rachael speaks and writes about disruptive technology, education, and careers. She is the author of the children’s book, "The Spaces You Will Go" and "The Competition Companion" and coauthor of "The Martians in Your Classroom" and "Own The Microphone."
Rachael holds an MA in educational leadership and has 14 years of classroom teaching experience in a range of subjects, including child development, science, technology, and culinary arts. Ms. Mann’s experience includes her work as the Network to Transform Teaching State Director, the Professional Learning Director of STEM, and the Arizona State Director for Educators Rising. She is a founding member of the Council on the Future of Education and serves on a number of national boards that are dedicated to ensuring that kids are future-ready. She is honored to be listed in the top 30 for education for Global Gurus 2020.
From professional growth to motivational talks to workshops, Rachael loves to inspire audiences to think bigger and dream beyond. Connect with Rachael on social media @RachaelEdu to learn more about her work.
https://rachaelmann.co/
https://martianclassroom.org/
https://wakelet.com/@rachaeledu
The Future of Career Technical Education in America: A Conversation with Scott Stump
Since its inception in the early 1900s, Career and Technical Education (formerly known as industrial arts, or vocational education) has been at the intersection of public education and the workforce. As CTE has evolved over the past 100 years, it has expanded its scope to include exploration of and preparation for hundreds of career paths, from the traditional paths like the skilled trades to health care and information tech and biotech.
Where does CTE stand today, and where is it heading?
Today’s guest is Scott Stump, Assistant Secretary for Career Technical and Adult Education with the U.S. Department of Education. Host Hans Meeder and Assistant Secretary Stump talk about implementation of the Perkins V Act, key trends in Career Technical Education (CTE) across the United States, and how CTE can influence the future of education in the U.S. at the local, state and national levels.
Sponsorship
Today’s episode is sponsored by Seamless WBL and NC3T Pathways Design Services.
Seamless WBL. Seamless WBL is a web-based program that helps you find partners, create and manage your work-based learning activities, run your advisory board, and report on all activities by educator, school, or partner.
Find out more: SeamlessWBL
NC3T’s Pathways Design Services. NC3T offers a range of written resources, workshops and professional learning, and coaching and technical assistance to help your school, district, or college implementation career pathways and a pathways system approach.
Find out more:
Pathways Design Services
About Today’s Guest
Scott Stump is the assistant secretary for career, technical, and adult education at the U.S. Department of Education. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 16, 2018, after being nominated by the President on May 15, 2018.
Stump serves as the principal adviser to the Secretary of Education on all matters concerning high school, career, technical and adult education as well as community colleges, the workforce and economic development.
Prior to assuming the role of assistant secretary for career, technical, and adult education, Stump served as the chief operating officer of Vivayic, Inc., a learning solutions provider devoted to helping individuals, organizations and corporations do good in the world. Before that, Stump served as the assistant provost and state director for career and technical education (CTE) with the Colorado Community College System. During his tenure there, Stump also served as state FFA (Future Farmers of America) advisor, agriculture program director and interim president of Northeastern Junior College during the institution's presidential search process.
During his seven-year tenure as a state CTE director, Stump served as an officer in the National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education. In this role, he served on the National SkillsUSA Board of Directors as the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) liaison.
Stump also served two terms on the Prairie RE11-J school board and one year on the Colorado Association of School Boards board of directors.
Stump received his bachelor's degree in agricultural education from Purdue University and taught at Manchester High School in North Central Indiana. Before moving to Colorado, he also worked for the National FFA Organization managing the national officer team and the national FFA convention.
Overview
Employers often tell us that today’s young adults entering the job market do not have the basic work ethic and employability skills to be successful in the workplace.
The question we ask in this episode is: Can we find effective strategies to bring work ethic and employability skills into the school and college experience for all youth and young adults?
In this episode, host Hans Meeder talks with Josh Davies Chief Executive Officer from the Center for Work Ethic Development.
Davies is currently the CEO of The Center for Work Ethic Development, an organization committed to developing workplace skills in the global workforce. Partnering with organizations in 49 states and 6 countries, they equip trainers and teachers to build the workforce of the 21st Century.
Visit the Center for Work Ethic Development
To Read: Bring Your “A” Game to Work (Teen Version) by Eric Chester
About Our Show Sponsor
CareerSmart Classrooms
With CareerSmart Classrooms, your staff can access an exciting set of new resources designed to help all teachers embrace career readiness while still effectively delivering their core content. The CareerSmart Classrooms system provides a comprehensive set of resources, including career information sheets, lesson plans and activity plans.
Find out More about CareerSmart Classrooms Download a Free Sample Pack, and Sign Up for a Free Webinar
About Josh Davies, CEO of the Center for Work Ethic Development
Josh Davies is passionate about helping others make a difference in their lives, jobs, and community. Through his work as a speaker and trainer, he has engaged and encouraged professionals across North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
His engaging and connecting speaking style combined with relevant content make him an in-demand speaker, giving more than 75 keynote presentations and workshops to education, workforce, and corporate events annually.
Training Magazine named him as one of the top 10 trainers under 40 in America and the Denver Business Journal tapped him as one of Denver’s 40 Under 40.
A graduate of American University, Josh has been awarded the Mile High Energy Award by Visit Denver, and an honorary Doctorate of Foodservice by the North American Food Equipment Manufacturers Association for his contributions to the industry.
He finished serving his second term on the Executive Board of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, where he chaired the State Education and Training Steering Committee.
He also led the P-Tech Selection Committee for Colorado and served on the board of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative.
In addition to his work in the public sector, Josh also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, was President of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) and co-chaired the Colorado State Youth Council.
Asking the Better Question with Steve Fujii, Battelle for Kids
For the most part, today’s public schools are organized around core curriculum subjects of English/language arts, mathematics, science, and history, with other electives - the arts, career and technical education, and athletics – also available to add value and depth to the school experience.
All of this effort is built on the general premise that the core academic skills are most important, and through other electives and life experiences, students will pick up the “soft skills” they will need for real life.
Is it time to reframe the emphasis on curriculum, skill standards, and core academic assessments to a broader question?
Should we be asking - What are the actual knowledge, skills and attributes a student – a person – needs to be successful in further education, in the world of work, and in their community and family roles?
Assuming that this broader question yields a different answer than just the academic skills needed for postsecondary education, how can we align the work of education around this more holistic approach to career and life readiness?
In this episode with Steve Fujii from Battelle for Kids, we assert that the first step in this journey is for our public schools, with input from their community, to each create a Profile of a Graduate, or what is also called, Profile of a Learner. In this episode, we learn about the WHY and the HOW of this process.
Valuable Learning Links
NC3T’s Profile of a Career and Life Ready Learner.
Battelle for Kids Portrait of a Graduate
Show Sponsor
Today’s episode is sponsored by NC3T’s CareerSmart Classrooms, a new system of resources and professional learning to help every education infuse their classroom with motivating and relevant career content. Find out more here.
About Today’s Guest
Dr. Stephen P. Fujii, a Senior Director at Battelle for Kids, based in Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. Fujii has a distinguished background in educational leadership, strategic planning and organizational change. His view of leadership took roots in the US Army as a commissioned officer. Later he joined the National Guard and entered service as an educator.
Stephen has taught middle school and high school, and held numerous leadership positions, from assistant principal in a Career Academy, Dean of Students, middle school principal, high school principal, director of CTE, Director of school district Operations and finally Superintendent of Marion City Schools. Steve has earned two graduate degrees in “policy and leadership” from THE Ohio State University.
Additionally, Fujii is a recently elected local Board of Education member with Big Walnut Local Schools.
Through his work with Battelle for Kids, Stephen is one of the lead consultants that work with school districts in helping to ask these questions about career and life readiness and help them create their Portrait of a Graduate.
In this episode, Hans talks with Scott Burke, co-creator of two innovative and very effective contextual math programs, one for Geometry and one for Algebra. These two programs are exemplars of how career connections can deepen and enrich student learning. We’ll learn how the programs work and how they are working in schools across the United States.
Find out More
More about the Geometry in Construction Program and Amped on Algebra from Contextual Learning Concepts, LLC.
https://contextuallc.com/
Get in contact with Scott and Tom here:
https://contextuallc.com/contact/
Today’s Sponsor
Today’s episode is sponsored by NC3T Pathways Design Services. Find out more about the Pathways System Design Suite, Professional Learning and Customized Coaching. Find out more and sign up for an information webinar too. https://www.nc3t.com/pathways-int
About our Guest
Scott Burke is in his 20th year of being an administrator, classroom teacher, and innovative pioneer with contextual/integrated learning. Throughout his career he has collaborated with others to develop two contextual programs program called Geometry in Construction and AMPED on Algebra.
Annually, students who are enrolled in the Geometry in Construction program build a house for a local family in need while simultaneously learning all of their rigorous math content. To date the Geometry in Construction program has been replicated in over 650 schools nationwide.
In fact, NBC Nightly News featured the program during its newscast on June 3, 2018.
https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/-geometry-in-construction-helps-students-learn-by-building-houses-1247410755701
Geometry in Construction has been featured on many news affiliates throughout the country including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox News.
Beginning in the fall of 2014 the same team of dedicated teachers lead by Burke launched a second contextual/integrated program called AMPED on Algebra that used the platform the Geometry in Construction program was built upon. The AMPED on Algebra program has been adopted as a superior way to teach Algebra 1 and is currently being offered in just over 250 schools nationwide.
After relocating to the Denver metro area due to better job opportunities for his wife, Burke began working for Jefferson County Public Schools during the summer of 2018 as the Coordinator of Contextual Learning.
Through Burke’s current professional position, he is charged with bringing these two programs to all 22 high schools across the largest school district in Colorado over the next 5 years. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year there are 12 total high schools that are up and running with the Geometry in Construction and AMPED on Algebra programs within the Jefferson County School system.
Why do we need to re-define the goal of American education, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a personalized approach with career pathways? In this episode, Hans Meeder interviews best-selling author, speaker, and college administrator, Dr. Kevin J. Fleming. Kevin and Hans discuss what it means to re-define the goal, what the evidence tells us about needed change, and how best to communicate this vision to both education and community leaders.
Dr. Fleming’s books: https://www.kevinjfleming.com/books
Dr. Fleming’s Animated Videos:
· Success in the New Economy-FutureBuilt
· Success in the New Economy – Citrus College
· From College or Nothing to College Without Debt
How to get in contact with Dr. Fleming: https://www.kevinjfleming.com/book-a-keynote
Sponsorship:
This episode is brought to you by NC3T's Pathways Design Services. To find out more and sign up for a free webinar, go to: https://www.NC3T.com/pathways/
About Our Guest
Dr. Fleming is a faculty member, national speaker, CEO of Telos Educational Services, and a recovering academic elitist. A true life-long learner, he has earned two Bachelor’s degrees from Loyola Marymount University (Psychology & Philosophy); a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University (Educational Policy & Leadership), an MBA from the University of Redlands, and a Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University...but it was his CTE industry certification in geographical information systems (GIS) that lifted him out of working poverty.
Dr. Fleming has successfully founded four private-sector companies and currently serves on boards of non-profit organizations. He has been honored with the Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement and Service from Loyola Marymount University and the Corona Chamber of Commerce “40 Under 40” award. Dr. Fleming is a proud Eagle Scout, father, certified etiquette trainer, has completed five marathons and remains an active volunteer with Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (Distinguished Alumnus Award), and his local church.
Dr. Fleming currently leads the Strategic Development & Planning unit as a Vice President at Norco College (part of Riverside Community College District, CA) having previously supported over 40 Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs as well as multiple state and federal grants as a Dean of Instruction. Producer of multiple viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy, and author of the bestseller, (Re)Defining the Goal, Dr. Fleming is a passionate advocate for ensuring all students enter the labor market with a competitive advantage.
While vice president for the California Community College Association for Occupational Education, and serving on visiting teams for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Dr. Fleming wrote three books including Maintaining Strategic Relevance and an interactive eTextbook to train Supply Chain Technicians. Previously, his Center of Excellence was recognized by the Community College Futures Assembly for analyzing workforce trends and providing customized labor market research for the largest higher education system in the world: the California Community Colleges.
&n
*Can children learn about careers in a way that is positive and motivating, but does not lock them in to an early career choice? Absolutely.
In this episode, school leader Ed Hidalgo from Cajon Valley Union School District explains his district's groundbreaking program, World of Work, and how children from grades K-8 learn about the world of work, about careers, and most importantly about who they are and how they are innately gifted with certain strengths, temperaments, and talents to be developed.*
Find out more through the following resources
https://youtu.be/3MPewWsH-vA
About Ed Hidalgo, Director of the World of Work Initiative
Ed Hidalgo is the Chief innovation and engagement officer for the Cajon Valley Union School District focused on advancing the mission of developing happy kids, living in healthy relationships on a path to gainful employment.
Ed began his work with the school district in July 2017. Also, in 2017, he was instrumental in creating and launching the World of Work Initiative,
Formerly Ed held leadership roles at the Institute for Innovation in Education at the University of San Diego, in Human Resources and Government Affairs for Qualcomm, and Staffing Management at Manpower of San Diego.
Among his many other roles, Ed is also a Workforce Board member for the San Diego Workforce Partnership.
Ed received his degree in Communications from University of Miami.
Linked-in Profile: linkedin.com/in/ed-hidalgo-0641311
In this week’s episode, Hans interviews Gary Hoachlander, President and Founder of ConnectED, The National Center for College and Career. Gary explained the structure of Linked Learning College and Career Pathways, and their positive impact on students.
More About ConnectED
You can get up-to-date information at the ConnectED website: https://connectednational.org/
Sponsorship
This episode is sponsored by Seamless WBL, an online system to manage all your work-based learning and program advisory board functions. Find out more at https://www.seamlesswbl.com/features/.
ConnectED’s core beliefs:
What is Linked Learning?
Linked Learning is an approach to educational reform that combines rigorous academics, demanding career and technical education, real-world experience, and integrated student supports.
At ConnectED, we believe that a Linked Learning approach can provide a great education for every student. Linked Learning helps educators create real-world learning experiences that interest, challenge, and inspire students, so they can better understand the connections between the classroom and the world of work. When this happens, research shows that students are more likely to deeply engage in their learning, and more likely to transform a passion into a profession.
About Gary Hoachlander
Gary Hoachlander is President and CEO of ConnectED: The National Center for College and Career. Beginning his career in 1966 as a brakeman for the Western Maryland Railroad, he has devoted most of his professional life to helping young people learn by doing—connecting education to the opportunities, challenges, and many different rewards to be found through work.
Widely known for his expertise in career and technical education and many other aspects of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education, Gary has consulted extensively for the U.S. Department of Education, state departments of education, local school districts, foundations, and a variety of other clients.
Gary earned his Bachelor’s degree at Princeton University and holds both a Master’s and Ph.D. degree from the Department of City and Regional Planning, University of California, Berkeley.
Show Overview
In this episode, host Hans Meeder interviews Grace Suh, vice president of Education for IBM Corporate Social Responsibility. Grace and Hans discuss the Pathways to Early College High School model (P-Tech) that was developed with the active involvement and support of IBM in 2011 and is currently being implemented in 11 states. P-Tech provides an intensive education/workforce educational approach to help economically disadvantaged youth earn a two-year college degree in a STEM field. The degree is delivered through an integrated early college high school model at no cost to the student and with ongoing employer involvement and work-based learning. It is specifically designed to help economically disadvantaged youth gain access to high-skilled, well-paying STEM careers.
Today’s Guest
Grace Suh serves as vice president of Education for IBM Corporate Social Responsibility. In her position, Grace manages IBM’s global STEM initiatives. Prior to IBM, Grace worked at the Children’s Defense Fund, a national child advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. In addition to the corporate and nonprofit sectors, Grace has worked on education and children’s issues for state and city governments. Grace has a master’s degree in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.
More Resources and Links
Open P-TECH
Open P-TECH (www.open.ptech.org) is a free digital learning platform for students ages 14-20. Open P-TECH is a great way to jump-start career exploration with industry-relevant learning created to keep your student’s attention and motivate them to want to learn more. Plus, users will have free access to digital badges from IBM and other partners that can boost their LinkedIn profile or resume to help them get that first meaningful job opportunity.
Additional P-TECH Resources
IBM developed www.ptech.org to serve as the central hub for public-private partnerships interested in learning about and implementing this groundbreaking model. The site provides action-oriented guidance and tools, including case studies, to enable public-private partnerships to implement the model effectively and with fidelity.
IBM Global STEM Initiatives
The Academies of Nashville Story
During the 2006-2007 school year, the Academies of Nashville was only a dream—an ambitious, high school transformation effort that would bring together families, educators, and the community to improve our schools. Now, more than ten years later, that dream continues to grow. Graduation rates have increased. Student attendance is at an all-time high. Discipline referrals have significantly dropped. Business engagement in the school system has never been stronger and more powerful.
In this episode, Hans talks with Donna Gilley, Director of the Academies of Nashville, and a CTE Director for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Donna is one of the founding designers of the Academies of Nashville; she works closely with colleagues at Alignment Nashville to promote knowledge and understanding about the Academies.
Learning Links
The Metro Nashville Public Schools site.
https://www.mnps.org/academies-of-nashville
An overview of the Academies with student stories.
https://www.academiesofnashville.com/
Get information about how to visit the Academies through a twice yearly study visit.
http://nashvillefordhub.org/study-visit/
Learn about the Nashville Hub, an organization that provides technical assistance and support around career academies.
http://nashvillehub.org/academies-of-nashville/
Today’s Guest
Donna Gilley is the Director of the Academies of Nashville and a CTE Director for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Donna helps manage career/thematic academies across the district, works with business partners to create engaging activities for students, and creates and facilitates professional development for teachers.
Donna has been involved in the support and management of academies since 2007 at the district level. Prior to her work at the district office, Donna spent 17 years in the classroom teaching a variety of business courses.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
SeamlessWBL, an online system to manage all your work-based learning and program advisory board functions. Find out more at
https://www.seamlesswbl.com/features/