D214 Community Education snags national spot to compete in groundbreaking career pathways initiative for adults
Arlington Heights, Ill. (August 8, 2018) - A group of public and private organizations representing the District 214 community has been selected as one of 10 teams from around the country to design an innovative career pathways program for adults.
The team from District 214 competes in Nashville this week in the Minds That Move Us competition hosted by The Institute for Educational Leadership, in partnership with the Coalition on Adult Basic Education and the National Association of State Directors of Adult Education.
Minds That Move Us challenges communities to design innovative education and training models that create social equity and economic mobility for all. Teams participate in design camps during a three-year period, culminating in a Career Pathways Festival to pitch their proposed solutions and a chance to win $100,000.
The team from District 214 was chosen out of more than 100 entries for its idea to transform lives by preparing adults for high-wage, in-demand manufacturing careers through partnerships and training. The goal is to help adults in need of basic education, experience and assistance in accessing manufacturing jobs. The team also wants to assist parents of students enrolled in the District's existing manufacturing pathway.
The District 214 team includes stakeholders from public government and private organizations, including District 214's Community Education Program, Wheeling High School and Symbol Institute. Team members are Teresa Palaggi, District 214 Community Education programming supervisor; Karen Oswald, District 214 Adult Education & Family Literacy (AEFL) manager; Julie Frost, AEFL Transitions & I-Pathways coordinator; Jerry Cook, Wheeling High School principal and Tom Peters from Symbol Institute.
"Over a decade ago, District 214 designed a manufacturing career pathway with the help of community partners so students could explore careers in the industry, gain skills and access in-demand, high-paying jobs," said Patrick Mogge, the director of Community Engagement and Outreach. "We are excited for the opportunity to expand our Career Pathways work, and help improve the lives of adults in our community, which is in line with our District's mission."
The Minds that Move Us initiative was crafted in response to a shortage of effective policies and programs, and challenges participants to examine the current education and training gaps within their communities and then create models that can be scaled and replicated within various industries.