Clarence J. Fluker, as always, thank you for flagging innovation in our community. By innovation, I mean going back to the basics. As a GenXer, I assumed that the vocational programs that my high had were still in place. Only about 15 to 20 percent of my classmates pursued a four-year degree, so many took advantage of other career options our senior that enabled them to get certifications or apprenticeships that led to jobs at local companies. Needless to say, this concept fell out of fashion over the last 20 years, so it is good to see the following quote from Mayor Bowser about the aim of this initiative: “It is training that connects our students to jobs that exist and need D.C. residents to fill them in Washington, D.C., right now,” Bowser said at a news conference. “We want every student who goes to our public schools to graduate and be ready for their next step.” On another front, I’m so glad to be working with Drew Glassford , BGCDT , and Boys & Girls Clubs of America on similar efforts to scale this effort in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and beyond.
Public Affairs Strategist | Organizational Change Leader | Equity & Inclusion Advocate
"A $9.5 million grant will help D.C. expand a career-training program into Southeast Washington, officials said Friday, with hopes of preparing more high-schoolers for health-care careers and filling historic shortages in the sector. Students will earn credentials as certified nursing assistants or patient care technicians. This funding and program expansion comes as students and parents call on school leaders for more vocational programs, which have seen a resurgence in D.C. and in schools across the country in recent years." #health #healthcare #healthequity #nursing #workforce #diversity #inclusion #philanthropy
