Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Columbia-Greene Community College, Columbia Economic Development Corporation, and Greene County Economic Development Corporation have partnered to host Skilling the Gap, a half-day forum for employers, schools, community-based organizations, and funders to generate new ideas and partnerships for a thriving economy. The free event will be held Friday, Oct. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at C-GCC. Registration is now open at STG22.eventbrite.com.
Conceived to build stronger alignment between employers’ workforce needs and career pathways available to young people through in- and out-of-school learning opportunities, Skilling the Gap will feature opening remarks from John C. Williams, president and chief executive officer of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Adam Bosch, president and chief executive officer of Pattern for Progress, will provide an overview of trends, opportunities, and employer needs and challenges.
A panel on career pathways, moderated by C-GCC President Dr. Carlee Drummer, will feature Dr. Gladys Cruz (district superintendent, Questar III); Tambra Dillon (executive director, Hudson Hall); Christopher Nardone (director, Columbia‐Greene Workforce NY); and Jacqueline Salvatore (undersheriff, Columbia County).
Facilitated group discussions will follow and a new grants program for nonprofits in Columbia and Greene counties will be announced.
Skilling the Gap aims to provide participants broadened perspective on the landscape of career-oriented learning in Columbia and Greene counties and related trends; better understanding of pathways and factors that support or hinder them; promising opportunities and priorities for enhancing student success through community partnerships and grant-funded projects; and new and strengthened networking relationships.
