WRTP | BIG STEP’s Post

“…As we acknowledge the historical significance of this ruling, we must also confront the stark reality that Brown's promise remains unfulfilled. Today, our schools are, in many ways, more segregated than they were three decades ago.” This is a great article. Please take a moment to read the issues and learn of the work being done.

We are delighted to share this reflection from exalt CEO Gisele Castro: "I am always asking myself and my team, 'How do we create the conditions for our young people to thrive in a changing workforce?' Thank you to the America Forward Coalition, author Tatum Burnett, and Daniel López, for asking me to share some of my answers in this excellent piece about the exalt model. With national elections right around the corner, we all should be thinking about how Federal policies and priorities, like the reauthorization of WOIA and beyond, are supportive of and responsive to those of us most proximate to the challenge." #WorkforceDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #SocialJustice

🏆Florida Division on Career Development and Transition (FL DCDT)- Patrick Mulvihill Making a Difference Award 🏆 In 2023, The Grow Group was awarded the Patrick Mulvihill Making a Difference Award for the positive impact garnered by our people-focused employment trainings. Each year, in honor of Patrick Mulvhill who continually demonstrates the qualities of a person making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities throughout his career and into retirement, the Florida Division on Career Development and Transition through the “The Patrick Mulvihill Making A Difference” award. Here are some reasons why we commit to deepening our commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for all, regardless of life circumstances or physical limitations: 📉At 21.4%, Florida ranks 46th in the nation for the percentage of people with disabilities who are currently working — well below the national average of 25%. 💼Compared to all Florida counties, Hillsborough has the third-highest number of people with disabilities who are unemployed. 🔎Nearly 5,000 Hillsborough residents with hearing, vision, cognitive, and ambulatory disabilities are looking for work, but are unable to obtain or maintain employment. Source: The Able Trust/Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, 2023. #a11y #makingadifference #employmentforall #workforcedevelopment #award

February is "Reynauds awareness month" @sruk and am sharing that this is a condition I have, for raising awareness. Yes I can turn purple / blue and look like Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. I have an amazing employer in David Maytham and TT Education who supports my visible and non visible disabilities. A 2022 report looked at the impact of organisations with highly inclusive workforce strategies for those with disabilities. Impact shows: "Turnover of persons with disabilities is 48% less than for persons without disabilities15. Furthermore, general staff turnover can be reduced by up to 30% by having persons with disabilities in the workforce. Above average in terms of profitability (revenues and net income) and value creation (economic profit margin)." Does your Trust / organisational culture encourage everyone to be open with their unique qualities? Are staff psychologically safe to share their whole self? What's your EBID strategy? How do you support all employees as part of your workforce strategy to thrive? We are increasingly supporting MATs to develop robust, meaningful, impactful and sustainable workforce strategies in education recognising need in this area. Be a workforce JEDI with our innovative TT MAT Framework. Alec Jiggins Ali Fisher - Plans With Purpose Steve Kearns Steve Waters FCCT Polly Rowe (she/her) Allan Osborne Department for Education Kate Whittlesey Faiza Khan MBE NAHT - The school leaders' union

Did you know that in early April the U.S. House of Representatives approved the “A Stronger Workforce for America Act”? This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and makes a number of changes to federal youth workforce development programs that could help the afterschool and summer learning field better support older youth. Considering out-of-school time programs offer youth a variety of access points to get engaged with STEM and to learn about STEM careers and workforce opportunities, this is welcome bipartisanship! You can read more about the changes the Act makes it in the following blog: https://lnkd.in/gye5Rznn

You know you're in for a delight, when the speaker is referred to, by her three-time Pulitzer Prize winning father, as the "better Friedman." I've been trying to truly assimilate the concept of "agency" and Orly Friedman not only articulated it beautifully, but is enabling K-12 school going children to develop it. - Do you have a goal for what you want to accomplish? - Can you make a plan for how to spend your time and follow through with it? - Can you focus on it in a room full of peers and access to the internet? Sounds familiar? These are some of the skills they help students develop to set them up for success in the modern workplace. Are work habits the key to equality of opportunity? Here's her talk from Synapse Conclave this weekend: https://lnkd.in/gED7suVK

Arizona is still behind by significant numbers in workforce goals. We talk a lot of about investing in post high school education, but we do very little in the K12 space. Especially in STEM education, which is just another name for workforce development. Arizona lawmakers need to do a better job in understanding this and take some action. Our future depends on what we do in the next 5 years to home grow talent. https://lnkd.in/geZQsjsR

Pleased to contribute to this HBS article and shine the light on women in construction. Women who comprise half the population can succeed in industries like these which have historically been male-dominated. #womenincontruction #womeninbusiness

At Diversity Bridge (SCIO), our mission is to foster understanding, connection, and unity across all communities. Recently, one of our dedicated bridgebuilders, Edward Obi Chartered FCIPD, MIRP, TechIOSH, had the privilege of meeting with Seth Odei Asare, the President of RGU Union (Education & Welfare). They delved into the crucial topics of inclusive education and student welfare. Both Edward and Seth are passionate about ensuring that all students—regardless of background—feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. Together, they explored new collaborative strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion at Robert Gordon University, focusing on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and improving access to resources that promote student wellbeing. This meeting represents the heart of what Diversity Bridge SCIO stands for: connecting people, ideas, and communities to build a more inclusive and equitable world. By partnering with leaders like Seth, we continue to build bridges that close the gaps and ensure everyone has a chance to thrive. As we reflect on this meaningful dialogue, we are reminded of the impact that collaboration and shared vision can have on the future. As we move forward, we’re reminded of the words of Desmond Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. Wishing everyone a splendid week ahead! Let’s continue to build bridges, celebrate our diversity, and work together to create a better tomorrow. 🌍💫 #DiversityBridge #BuildingBridges #InclusiveEducation #StudentWelfare #Collaboration #UnityInDiversity #StrongerTogether #CommunitySupport #RGUUnion #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment

Do you remember your first day of school? The uncertainties about getting there? The new classroom and teacher? As parents, my wife and I have seen this in our kids every year when it’s back to school time. Just a couple of weeks ago, we sent off a college student, an eighth grader and two fourth graders. Each of them is unique, with a unique set of core needs. Starting a new school year can be easier when they know that they are supported by their school communities, and welcomed for who they are. We, as employees, are the same — we perform better when we know that our needs are supported. One way we have found to support our diverse team members at Belden is through employee resource groups or ERGs. These groups give employees with similar experiences the opportunity to share ideas. It’s making connections to help our people know they are supported when they come to work and ultimately makes our workplace and culture better. #Belden #EmployeeResourceGroups