Extension Workforce Development Network

Schools across the nation are experiencing challenges in filling teaching positions in career and technical education. This article provides more information about this needs and prompts the question, "Is the Cooperative Extension Service positioned to help bridge this gap by partnering with schools?". https://www.brookings.edu/articles/career-and-technical-education-is-a-hidden-weak-spot-in-many-high-schools-teacher-workforces/ *Accompanying image created using Microsoft CoPilot AI.

One individual is needed to fill an Economic and Workforce Development Program Action Team (WF PAT) Fellow role. The Fellow will support the PAT co-chairs with PAT operations; assist with meeting planning; assist the PAT working group chairs with documentation and reporting; and assist with the development of a Workforce PAT convening and with writing of a post-conference white paper. Learn more about the Fellowship and apply here: ...

One individual is needed to fill an Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Coordinator role across the LGU system with the Urban Ag and Food Systems PAT and AgriProspects. As Urban programs are active across the country, the incumbent will serve as a lead with assistance in program execution from other AgriProspects coordinators, specifically those where CES regions overlap. This critical position will help build and engage our national network of partners working to provide access to skills...

A recent news article revealed that only a handful of states have issued guidance for educators on the subject of AI in K-12 education. Despite this, there’s a swift transition towards supporting youth education that focuses on the skills and ethics required to utilize generative AI tools in professional settings. The Cooperative Extension Service system, a significant advocate for workforce development opportunities for both youth and adults, urgently needs to create high-quality...

A recent higher ed article (link) has indicated that apprenticeship opportunities could provide a key method of reducing the worker shortage experienced by many industries. Apprenticeships, along with other alternative career pathways such as academic Certificates, non-credit credentialing, and on-the-job upskilling are possible solutions to this shortage. Extension in many states is positioned to help support these efforts by offering educational content or training opportunities. Extension...

Microcredentials, stackable credentials, certification, and badging are just a few of the names for alternative training and credits that focus on providing needed skills to students and workers. As our system continues to evolve the understanding of the importance of these types of programs in both the workforce and academic sectors, there is an opportunity for the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) to leverage their connections with communities and the Land-Grant University System. With a...

Employees in nondegree pathways leading toward "upskilling" feel like they are workforce ready and receive the necessary skills needed for success. However, many people still are not aware of non-degree options for improvement, advancement and continuing education. The following article discusses this lack of awareness and how employees could attract workers and improve job outcomes through on the job training. https://www.highereddive.com/news/nondegree-upskilling-options/697335/

The Extension Foundation, in partnership with the ECOP Workforce Development Program Action Team, is seeking dynamic, collaborative individuals to help lead the AgriProspects Workforce Development Network . AgriProspects , supported through a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture AFRI Education and Workforce Development Competitive Grant 2023-67037-40533, establishes a National Working Group supported by six Regional Working Groups focused on growing and refining the national...

A recent infographic released by the Council of Post-Secondary Education In Kentucky indicates that the majority of Generation Z feels pressured to pursue a traditional four-year degree and would rather explore other educational options that allow them to learn skills over a lifetime rather than all at once. For those staff and faculty in traditional higher education, this begs the question as to the role that these individuals should have in supporting and developing these alternatives. For...

The U.S. Department of Labor is offering a two-part series on using labor market information (LMI) and occupational skills and sector competency models to inform decision-making, policy, and program improvement. Part 1 of a two-part series about using Labor Market Information. Information on part 2 of the two-part series is available online at https://www.workforcegps.org/events/2023/08/01/19/36/Using-Labor-Market-and-Skills-Information-for-Effective-Sector-Strategies-40-Part-2-of-2-41

Here is a new set of resources from ChangeLab Solutions that you may find useful. "In rural communities across the United States, increasing meaningful participation in the policymaking process for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) while decreasing place, race, and class divides is essential to achieving prosperity. Adding to our suite of resources for increasing racial justice and equitable economic development in rural America, we have released two new publications for...

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Dynamic Discussions Extension Transformation: preparing for the next 100 years April 27th, 2023 2 PM - 3 PM ET Register HERE We would like to invite you to join us next week for a Dynamic Discussion session focused on the demographic trends in the United States and the impact it has on Extension's approach to programming and staffing. Changes in population size and make-up, along with economic and political uncertainties, have presented a unique opportunity for Extension to transform its...

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $15 million in grant funding to support programs that help youth – particularly those in rural areas, people of color and people with disabilities – to overcome obstacles to educational and workforce success with training and career guidance. See the news release here: US Department of Labor announces $15M funding availability to help youth, young adults prepare for college, career success | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) and...

August 2022 Dynamic Discussions workshop focused on “Extension’s Role in Workforce Development” led by Robert Russell. Dr. Russell shared information about both the opportunities and challenges for Extension in workforce development as well as the role of the Workforce Program Action Team and its efforts to help lead programs forward. Here is a list of tools/resources that were discussed. Tools/Resources: A link to the recording is available here ; A link to the slide deck is available here...