The need for education and industry to work together seamlessly has grown exponentially, especially in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Rapidly evolving career pathways combined with an established need for skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, make conversations across school districts, Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), Intermediate Units (IUs), nonprofits, higher education, and corporations essential.
Research by Education Strategy Group provides evidence that education-to-career pathway intermediaries are critical for increasing equitable pathway access and success, and intermediary organizations serve “…a dual role of filling current system shortcomings and generating momentum to create a more thriving system to support youth.” Intermediaries add value by streamlining and clarifying pathways to credentials and careers that are in demand and lead to family-sustaining careers that lead to economic mobility.
At the Consortium, we view ourselves as an intermediary organization, connecting K12 educators and students with employers. Throughout our history, we have convened people across sectors and industries together and have helped them find ways to work together to make progress toward shared goals.
Some of the programs and services we offer in our role as an intermediary include:
- Educator in the Workforce
- Future Ready Leaders
- Elementary Future Readiness
- Student Sustainability Design Challenge
These are just a few examples, and we are building new programs and services all the time. If you are interested in learning more about how the Consortium can help build connections for your school or business, contact us.
