InStride’s Post

Transforming Lives Through Integrated Skills Training The path to independence and meaningful employment can be challenging for young adults with diverse abilities. Traditional support services often fall short in providing the comprehensive skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern life. Empowrify Ventures' SkillBridge program is a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming lives by addressing this critical gap. A Holistic Approach to Empowerment SkillBridge offers a holistic approach to skill development, encompassing both personal and professional growth. By combining essential life skills training, vocational education, and real-world work experience, the program equips participants with the tools they need to thrive. Life Skills Foundation: Building a strong foundation of essential life skills, including budgeting, time management, problem-solving, and independent living strategies. Vocational Training: Offering tailored vocational training programs aligned with individual interests and abilities, such as culinary arts, technology, customer service, and administrative support. Real-World Experience: Providing valuable on-the-job training through partnerships with local businesses, allowing participants to apply their skills in a professional setting. Building a Brighter Future SkillBridge's impact extends far beyond individual participants. By empowering young adults with diverse abilities, the program contributes to a more inclusive and prosperous society. Economic Impact: Expanding the talent pool and boosting the local economy through increased employment rates. Social Impact: Challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community. Community Strength: Building stronger, more resilient communities by empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

A Pathway to Independence and Employment For many young adults with diverse abilities, the transition to independent living and meaningful employment can be fraught with challenges. A lack of integrated life skills and job readiness training often hinders their potential. Empowrify Ventures’ SkillBridge program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge this gap and empower individuals to achieve their full potential. A Comprehensive Approach SkillBridge offers a holistic approach to skill development, encompassing both personal and professional growth. The program is built on three core pillars: Life Skills Foundation: Equipping participants with essential life skills such as budgeting, time management, problem-solving, and independent living strategies. This foundation empowers individuals to navigate daily life with confidence and autonomy. Vocational Training: Providing tailored vocational training based on individual interests and abilities. SkillBridge offers a variety of programs, ranging from culinary arts and technology to customer service and administrative support. Real-World Experience: Fostering practical work experience through partnerships with local businesses. Participants gain valuable on-the-job training, develop professional networks, and build confidence in their abilities. Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities By combining these elements, SkillBridge creates a supportive environment where participants can thrive. The program focuses on building self-esteem, fostering independence, and developing employability skills. Increased Independence: Participants gain the confidence and skills to live independently, making informed decisions about their lives. Enhanced Employability: Through vocational training and work experience, individuals develop the skills and experience sought by employers. Community Integration: SkillBridge promotes social inclusion by empowering individuals to become active and contributing members of their communities. A Ripple Effect The impact of SkillBridge extends beyond individual participants. By demonstrating the capabilities of young adults with diverse abilities, the program challenges stereotypes and fosters a more inclusive society. Employers who partner with SkillBridge benefit from a dedicated and talented workforce, while the community as a whole gains from the increased participation of individuals with diverse abilities. SkillBridge is more than just a program; it is a pathway to a brighter future. By providing comprehensive support and opportunities, Empowrify Ventures is empowering young adults with diverse abilities to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. As we strive for a more inclusive society, initiatives like SkillBridge are essential in creating a world where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Our latest EdAssist by Bright Horizons #EducationIndex shows that 58% of workers want to learn new skills relevant to their career, but struggle with where to start, with 52% believing it's their employer’s responsibility to inform or guide them. More insights from Diane Bartoli in this Forbes Council Post: https://lnkd.in/gM8-hg9w What are you doing to ensure your working learners know how to best use the benefits you provide them?

#Highereducation #enrollment and retention challenges get easier the more staff work together. Use the tips in this blog to foster strong collaboration across departments https://hubs.ly/Q02mfy6T0

#Highereducation #enrollment and retention challenges get easier the more staff work together. Use the tips in this blog to foster strong collaboration across departments https://hubs.ly/Q02rYv1c0

According to the Eduventures Adult Prospect Survey™, nearly a third of adult prospects have access to employee education benefits. Less than half of these, however, actually use them, suggesting a widespread disconnect between wanting them and using them. What can institutions do to tap into this growing market of adult prospects with education benefits? Find out in today's #EVWakeUpCall: https://lnkd.in/gG5aMKyU #highereducation #highered #highereducationleadership #enrollmentmanagement #enrollment #enrollmentmanagement #collegeadmissions #tuitionassistance #adulteducation

🌟 Did you know that offering education benefits can be a game-changer for both employees and companies? Here's a peek at why education perks are a win-win: 🔹 **Enhanced Talent Pool:** By upskilling their workforce, companies build a competitive edge and reduce the need for external hires. 🔹 **Talent Magnet:** With over 90% of companies offering education perks, those not on board might be missing out on attracting top talent. 🔹 **Retention Boost:** Education benefits can lead to longer employee tenures, keeping valuable team members engaged and committed. 🔹 **Productivity Upsurge:** Investing in employee education often translates to improved performance, creativity, and output. 🔹 **Leadership Development:** Internal talent pipelines cultivated through education benefits can cut costs associated with external hiring. 🔹 **Innovation Hub:** Diverse skill sets and exposure to new ideas fostered by education perks fuel creativity and innovative solutions. 🔹 **Certification Compliance:** Education benefits ensure employees stay proficient and compliant in regulated industries, boosting productivity. What are your thoughts on companies investing in education benefits for their employees? Share your feelings on this hot topic! 🔥 https://lnkd.in/gxYfb7DQ

I love this commitment to innovation when it comes to considering staff wellbeing. The flexible working plan described highlights a genuine understanding of some of the issues and drivers impacting teacher wellbeing, along with a commitment to take action where it is genuinely needed. I also love the abundance mindset that believes when staff are given the autonomy and professional trust to use this time as they need, it actually opens up a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development - both of which we know to positively impact a range of wellbeing measures. I have worked in schools where staff were able to 'sign out' if the they had periods of non-contact in the afternoon and it was frequently cited as a much appreciated key strength in the schools approach to wellbeing. Counter to what I am sure are common concerns with such an approach, the offer of flexibility was not taken as an automatic early mark, nor as an opportunity to work part-time, rather it was genuinely valued and used in a professional and respectful manner. A 2024 NEU study of 8000 UK teachers suggest that 41% of teachers find their workload “unmanageable,” with a further 37% describing it as “only just manageable”. When asked what measures they felt would have an impact on their wellbeing, 81% felt the increased availability for flexible working would have a positive impact. Finding avenues to increase flexibility and provide staff with the autonomy to manage their time and responsibilities, where possible, is so important, (educators globally are literally telling us this), and whilst there are clearly logistically challenges involved in setting up such systems, the sustainable, long term wellbeing paybacks are likely to be significant. Travis Parker I would love to know what you find from your pilot and wish you every success moving forward with the initiative. What innovation would you like to try with regard to staff wellbeing? #teacherwellbeing #teaching #Well Well Well

I love this commitment to innovation when it comes to considering staff wellbeing. The flexible working plan described highlights a genuine understanding of some of the issues and drivers impacting teacher wellbeing, along with a commitment to take action where it is genuinely needed. I also love the abundance mindset that believes when staff are given the autonomy and professional trust to use this time as they need, it actually opens up a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development - both of which we know to positively impact a range of wellbeing measures. I have worked in schools where staff were able to 'sign out' if the they had periods of non-contact in the afternoon and it was frequently cited as a much appreciated key strength in the schools approach to wellbeing. Counter to what I am sure are common concerns with such an approach, the offer of flexibility was not taken as an automatic early mark, nor as an opportunity to work part-time, rather it was genuinely valued and used in a professional and respectful manner. A 2024 NEU study of 8000 UK teachers suggest that 41% of teachers find their workload “unmanageable,” with a further 37% describing it as “only just manageable”. When asked what measures they felt would have an impact on their wellbeing, 81% felt the increased availability for flexible working would have a positive impact. Finding avenues to increase flexibility and provide staff with the autonomy to manage their time and responsibilities, where possible, is so important, (educators globally are literally telling us this), and whilst there are clearly logistically challenges involved in setting up such systems, the sustainable, long term wellbeing paybacks are likely to be significant. Travis Parker I would love to know what you find from your pilot and wish you every success moving forward with the initiative. What innovation would you like to try with regard to staff wellbeing?

"If it was easy, everybody will do it." I had a conversation with a high-spirited individual that decided to learn a tech skill to boost the opportunity of securing a high pay and work life balance. The individual is a recent graduate, and wants to maximize the new found time and resources before embarking on the mandatory one year youth service. But just two(2) days into the learning program, there is already a feeling of dropping out of the program due to its rigor and practical centered nature. However, the individual cannot back out, not because the program has gone far but because there was a commitment fee paid to start learning. This underscores the essence of having commitment fees on learning programs to help participants discover a why to keep going when they feel like dropping out. However, I earnestly seek for innovative ways of seeking commitment fees as not everyone is privileged to be financially capable to settle the fee. Here is my candid suggestion: 📌Make the payment of these fees innovative by providing payment in installment options. Enabling more people to meet up with the financial demands... Whenever you think of how hard the program might be, focus your attention on the numerous opportunities that skill will bring to you. What commitment did you make to keep showing up? What other commitment options do you apply? What strategies do you use to help people register and stay motivated to learn a tech skill till the end? #learninganddevelopment #techskill #skillsdevelopment #motivatedmindset #contentcreator #learning