Monthly Archives: August 2011
Free ‘E~Transition Kit’ for Organizations Looking to Assist Employees After Layoff
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa /PRNewswire/ ~~ According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers took 1,579 mass layoff actions in July involving 145,000 workers. “With the significant number of layoffs and changes occurring, many organizations are realizing that these actions can damage their business long after the event has taken place, and there may be unforeseen risks they did not consider,” said Robin Salsberry, President of Prositions, Inc., a firm that specializes in outplacement solutions. “By creating a comprehensive transition plan and providing employees who have been let go with the resources and confidence they need to find another job, many potential risks and costs can be minimized.”
Risks include:
~~ Negative impact to the brand or image
~~ Unemployment tax rate increases
~~ Higher risk of legal disputes and litigation costs
~~ Lack of motivation, focus or unwanted early departures from remaining employees
Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Prositions is helping businesses evaluate these risks, through their recent launch of the “E-Transition Kit,” which is available at no cost through the Prositions website, http://www.prositions.com.
This kit contains a number of tools that organizations can use to create or modify their transition plans, such as: 1) a workbook designed to get executives and managers talking about their current strategies; 2) a capability comparison chart that provides organizations with evaluation criteria for choosing a transition partner; 3) a PowerPoint template to help conduct a transition strategy meeting; and 4) an ROI calculator to help determine how effective transition plans can actually save money.
“While many organizations are facing very difficult challenges today, the right blend of technology and expert advice can help minimize the overall risk and pain. Our kit can be a significant first step,” said Salsberry.
About Prositions
Prositions works with organizations to create and execute effective transition strategies. They provide cloud-based software that helps organizations and individuals successfully manage the career change process through the latest Internet, mobile, and social networking technologies. Prositions combines this high tech approach with a global network of certified career coaches, resume writers, and career strategists to deliver a unique transition solution.
For More Information on Prositions, please visit http://www.prositions.com.
Connect with Prositions on LinkedInFollow Prositions on TwitterLike Prositions on Facebook
Contact:
Corey PaulPrositions, Inc.515-864-7200515-556-6669cpaul@prositions.com Web Site: http://www.prositions.com
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FYI ~ Jobs | The great downsizing of federal workforce has begun
As agencies scramble to come to terms with impending budget cuts in the next fiscal year, offers for early-outs and buyouts have begun to pop up. This week alone, both the Education Department and the Government Accountability Office have announced their intention to offer early-outs and cash incentives. With fiscal pressures mounting, it’s not unreasonable to expect more offers to emerge in the weeks and months ahead. And given the antipathy shown toward feds by many in this Congress, it’s a fair guess that plenty of feds are ready to take those offers.
Read More: http://fcw.com/blogs/gov-careers/2011/08/the-great-downsizing-has-begun.aspx
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2011.08.25 ~ Homeland Security Invitational Hiring Event, August 25th, Chantilly, Virginia
Agilex is an employee-owned provider of mission and technology solutions to the federal government. Led by notable professionals, we are leading transformative programs across government, helping agencies capitalize on agile software development, the Apple iPad and cloud computing as just several examples. Driven by this success, we were named the region’s fastest growing company by the Washington Business Journal.
Within the Department of Homeland Security, we have distinguished ourselves by rapidly delivering innovative solutions that are making a difference. As a result, we are expanding key programs and seeking highly-motivated professionals to join our industry-leading team immediately. During our upcoming invitational career fair on August 25th, we will be interviewing and making immediate offers for the following positions:
Agilex is an employee-owned provider of mission and technology solutions to the federal government. Led by notable professionals, we are leading transformative programs across government, helping agencies capitalize on agile software development, the Apple iPad and cloud computing as just several examples. Driven by this success, we were named the region’s fastest growing company by the Washington Business Journal.
Within the Department of Homeland Security, we have distinguished ourselves by rapidly delivering innovative solutions that are making a difference. As a result, we are expanding key programs and seeking highly-motivated professionals to join our industry-leading team immediately. During our upcoming invitational career fair on August 25th, we will be interviewing and making immediate offers for the following positions:
~~ ETL Developer
~~ GIS Principal Analyst
~~ Java Developer
~~ Microsoft Applications Engineer
~~ Mobile Application Infrastructure Engineer
~~ Oracle Database Administrator
~~ Oracle Database Developer and Team Lead
~~ Quantitative Manager
~~ Quantitative Modeler
~~ Requirements Analyst
~~ Senior Network Engineer
~~ Senior Principal Engineer (Oracle PL/SQL developer)
~~ SharePoint Architect
~~ Systems Analyst
~~ Systems Engineer
~~ Virtualization Engineer
~~ WebLogic Engineer
United States Citizenship is required for each position as well as the ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Customs & Border Protection Full Background Investigation (BI). Candidates with an existing CBP Full BI are strongly encouraged to apply.
To request an invitation, please submit your resume for the applicable position or to our event coordinator. Should your qualifications match our search criteria, we will invite you to meet one-on-one on August 25th with our hiring managers to discuss how you can take your career to the next level with Agilex. Current employees will also be on-hand to share insight into our corporate culture. Conditional offers for qualified candidates will be made at the event.
Why Agilex
Our goal is to provide employees with an environment where they can accomplish the best work of their careers. We are an entrepreneurial company and believe strongly in giving employees the opportunity, support and tools to make a difference on projects of national importance. Your innovation and your dedication are respected here.
At the same time, we also recognize your need to safeguard your family and be compensated fairly for your significant contributions. As a result, we provide a comprehensive benefits package and continually benchmark compensation to industry-leading levels. This is designed to give you the security and confidence needed to make the most of your opportunities at Agilex.
To learn more, visit Why Agilex.
Did you know? Over half of our new hires are a result of employee referrals and 95% of employees report that they enjoy working at Agilex. That’s job satisfaction.
For more info: http://agilex.com/event/
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CounterTerrorism Analyst, Senior Principal
HOT JOB HOT JOB HOT JOB
CACI International
COUNTERTERRORISM ANALYST, SR PRINCIPAL JN: 53465
Duties and Responsibilities:
Serve as a subject matter expert on homemade explosives (HME) and the manufacturing tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Assist in directing content and fulfilling data requirements. This position will provide technical signature support to assist in the development of signature data and content. Provide expert analysis of signature data as well as explore techniques and tools for exploiting observables associated with HME and IED manufacturing. Provide support to the JIEDDO measurements team. Provide technical collection expertise for field exercises and tests and perform signature measurements as required. Assist with the evaluation of sensor capabilities, development of sensor requirements and assistance in sensor technology development.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and twelve to fifteen years of related experience. Must maintain active/current TS/SCI clearances. Must have prior Counterterrorism analysis experience.
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
====================== Note: most jobs remain open for 2-14 days. If this job is no longer available then you will be presented with similar job listings that are open. ======================
APPLY/LEARN MORE AT http://www.intelligencecareers.com/jobs/11-001/jobview.cfm?jobid=3650176&domain=terrorism
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Boeing, GECAS Finalize Order for 747~8 Freighters and 777~300ERs
Order has a list-price value of $2.9 billion
747-8 Freighter a new model for the GECAS portfolio of airplanes
SEATTLE, WA /PRNewswire/ Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), have finalized a firm order for two 747-8 Freighters and eight 777-300ERs (extended range) airplanes.
The order marks the completion of an agreement originally announced during the Paris Air Show in June. At list prices, the order is valued at $2.9 billion.
“We are pleased to finalize this contract for two 747-8 Freighters and eight 777-300ERs,” said Norman C.T. Liu, president and CEO of GECAS. “These 777s, along with the 777 order we placed last March, will help us meet the growing airline demand for long-haul passenger airplanes. The two 747-8 Freighters broaden our cargo portfolio with an efficient freighter that enables our customers to support the growing air cargo market.”
The 747-8 Freighter is a new model for the GECAS portfolio of airplanes.
“As a leader in the airplane leasing industry, GECAS recognizes the Boeing 747 freighter family as the standard for the air cargo market that delivers superior operational efficiency,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The addition of GECAS to the 747-8 Freighter customer base is another significant endorsement for our new cargo airplane. The 747-8 Freighter economics and versatility will help GECAS meet its customers’ high expectations for quality and performance. With the 777-300ER order, GECAS also continues to demonstrate confidence in the airplane, taking its 777 order total to 61.”
Contact: Tim Bader North America and Leasing Communications Boeing Commercial Airplanes +1 425-717-0672 Tim.s.bader@boeing.com
More information: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/index.html http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/index.html
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SOURCE Boeing
Web Site: http://www.boeing.com
USANA Health Sciences Recognized by Outside Magazine for Third Consecutive Year as One of America’s Best Places to Work
SALT LAKE CITY, UT /PRNewswire/ ~~ USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE: USNA) today was named to Outside magazine’s fourth annual “Best Places to Work” list. USANA was ranked No. 20 out of 50 selected companies around the United States. The full list and related story will be published in the September issue of Outside magazine, available on newsstands August 16, 2011.
“USANA is delighted to be recognized as one of the best company’s to work for in all of America by Outside magazine for the third consecutive year. This award is a tribute to all its hard working employees and associates who have made this company the best in the industry,” said USANA CEO Dave Wentz. “USANA works tirelessly to provide its employees with the vital tools and benefits they need to advance at work while continuing a healthy quality of life.”
More than 600 USANA employees in Utah enjoy impressive workplace benefits, including free onsite workout facilities and a personal fitness trainer, an annual profit-sharing program, free company health products, excellent health and life insurance packages, regular health fairs and voluntary fitness contests. USANA’s efforts to create a positive, healthy work environment have earned the company many accolades. USANA was named one of the Best Companies to Work for by Utah Business magazine, and was awarded a 2008 Work/Life Award from the Utah Department of Workforce Services and the Office of Work & Family Life.
USANA also has implemented a major workplace environmental initiative known as USANA Green. USANA Green is led by employee volunteers who apply a comprehensive and long-term approach to help the company protect, preserve and promote the integrity of the environment.
Outside’s “Best Places to Work” project celebrates the innovative companies setting a new standard for a healthy work-life balance. The list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group. The yearlong selection process began with an outreach effort that identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in the United States. Participating companies were then sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs.
“These 50 companies are successful precisely because they support a proper work-life balance,” says Michael Roberts, Executive Editor of Outside. “Happy workers that feel part of an active community are guaranteed to be more engaged and productive. And the companies on our list are offering amazing benefits: organic cafeterias, on-site fitness classes, reimbursements for gym memberships and ski passes, opportunities for on-the-clock community service, and much more.”
About USANA
USANA Health Sciences develops and manufactures high-quality nutritionals, personal care, energy and weight management products that are sold directly to Preferred Customers and Associates throughout the United States, China, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
About Outside Magazine
Outside is America’s leading active lifestyle magazine, with over two million readers a month. For more than 30 years, the magazine has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. Along with receiving many other accolades, Outside is the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence. Visit the magazine online at www.outsideonline.com.
About THE BEST COMPANIES GROUP
Best Companies Group works with national and local partners around the country to establish and manage “Best Places to Work,” “Best Companies,” and “Best Employers” programs on a national, statewide, and regional basis. Through its thorough workplace assessment, utilizing employer questionnaires and employee-satisfaction surveys, BCG identifies and recognizes companies who have been successful in creating and maintaining workplace excellence.
About THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1989, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the premier trade association for companies in the active outdoor recreation business. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. Outdoor Industry Association seeks to ensure a healthy and diverse specialty retail and supply chain based on quality, innovation and service. To this end, OIA works diligently to raise the standards of the industry; increase participation in outdoor recreation to strengthen business markets; provide support services to improve member profitability; represent member interests in the legislative/regulatory process; promote professional training and education; support innovation; and offer cost-saving member benefits. Search for outdoor-industry jobs is at OIA’s career center: www.outdoorindustry.org.
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Contact: Dan Macuga Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (801) 954-7280 Dan.Macuga (at) us.usana.com
Veteran Corps Scores Double Win on GSA Stars II Contract
O’FALLON, IL /PRNewswire/ Culminating a nearly two-year-long evaluation process, Veteran Corps of America has been named as an awardee by the General Services Administration (GSA) for its STARS (Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services) II GWAC (Governmentwide Acquisition Contract), a major governmentwide small-business IT contract. The company scored a rare double win by capturing two coveted spots in the Stars II roster of approved vendors through selection in its own right and in conjunction with their business partner, DSD Laboratories, as Veteran Corps JV (Joint Venture).
STARS II is a five-year, $10 billion program prequalifying and selecting firms who meet stringent criteria including competitive pricing, technical proficiency, and industry credentials. The result is designed to be a streamlined acquisition process for federal agencies seeking information technology (IT) equipment or services. The design consists of two tiers, or “constellations,” depending on industry accreditations, each with four functional areas across computer programming, systems design, facilities management and other computer-related services. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as an 8(a) Disadvantaged Business (SDB) with an exceptional track record in supplying IT equipment and services, Veteran Corps of America already enjoyed a strong competitive advantage in the selection process, competing and winning in the Constellation I Category in all four functional areas. Seeking a partner to best complement their success profile in addressing the additional requirements of Constellation II, Veteran Corps paired with the deep technological expertise and resources of DSD Laboratories to create a partnership distinguished by over 30 years of IT experience in providing IT solutions, services, and products to DoD and the Federal Government. The Veteran Corps JV partnership successfully landed a highly selective spot in Constellation II across all four functional areas.
“We are very excited with this tremendous opportunity to leverage the technological expertise and resources of Veteran Corps as a GSA STARS II provider, both in our own right, and with DSD Laboratories, through our Veteran Corps JV partnership. We look forward to a long, successful record of directly partnering with government agencies to strategically address their short- and long-term IT equipment and service needs,” said Bill Wheeler, President of Veteran Corps.
Veteran Corps (http://www.veterancorps.com/), based in O’Fallon, IL with offices in Fairfax, VA and Edgewood, MD, is a premier provider of high quality Information Technology (IT), Homeland Security, and Office-related services and products. Under the leadership of William Wheeler, President, and John Wheeler, Vice President, the company has established an enviable track record of performance and growth. 2011 will mark the company’s second consecutive year on INC. Magazine’s roster of the 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in the U.S.; last year Veteran Corps was number 30 overall and number 8 in their industry. If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Bill or John Wheeler, please call Suzanne Murdoch at 618/537-5271 or email Suzanne at suzanne.murdoch@veterancorps.com.
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SOURCE Veteran Corps of America
Veteran Corps of America
Web Site: http://www.veterancorps.com
Health Career and Training Information to Meet Growing Demand
U.S. News University Directory Adds Allied Health Career and Training Information to Meet Growing Demand
Online Resource Provides Individuals With the Latest News, Information, and Employment Resources for This Growing Career Field
TAMPA, FL /PRNewswire/ Due to the explosive growth of the healthcare industry, students are now more interested than ever in evaluating this industry as a possible career choice. U.S. News University Directory is pleased to provide a greater level of information and support for students interested in pursuing careers in the allied health sector of the healthcare industry.
According to a 2009 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare industry will generate over 3 million new jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry. In addition, 10 of the 20 fastest growing occupations will be related to healthcare. Employment in the healthcare industry is projected to increase 22 percent through 2018.
The new online resource offers prospective students detailed information about in-demand allied health professions. The new content provides an easy-to-use interface that makes locating accredited schools and colleges that specialize in specific allied health training and education easy as possible. The combination of career, training and up-to-date news and career information all on the same page makes the new allied health section an invaluable resource for anyone interested in entering or already working in the healthcare field.
U.S. News University Directory’s new section on allied health careers and allied health degrees will arm prospective students with the information they need to pursue training and education that will prepare them to work in clinical healthcare professions. The Allied Health section will help students locate allied health schools, degree and certificate programs, job descriptions with videos, and industry news.
The allied health sector includes most healthcare positions outside the core fields of dentistry, medicine and nursing. It accounts for the majority of healthcare jobs and includes fields and degrees or certifications such as:
~~ Medical Assisting
~~ Medical Transcription
~~ Medical Billing and Coding
~~ Occupational Therapy
~~ Pharmacy
~~ Physical Therapy
~~ Social Work
According to the BLS, employment opportunities in allied health fields are expected to grow faster than average between 2008 and 2018. Candidates with certifications or formal education, such as a bachelor’s in medical assisting or a master’s in social work (MSW degree), should have the best opportunities. Those who wish to pursue a career in fields such as medical assisting or social work will find the new U.S. News University Directory section to be particularly useful. The new directory section contains valuable information such as job descriptions and overviews, videos, and resources and reference materials for training and accredited education options, including various degrees and certifications available.
About U.S. News University Directory
U.S. News University Directory provides comprehensive and unbiased information on more than 2,000 academic institutions directly from U.S. News & World Report, the most trusted source for college and university rankings since 1983.
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Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing ServicesBisk Education/University Alliance Online9417 Princess Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL 33619813-621-6200, ext. 328
SOURCE U.S. News University Directory
U.S. News University Directory Web Site: http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com
C3/CustomerContactChannels Adds 2,000 New Jobs in Nationwide Expansion
Florida-based customer contact business opens several new call centers, expands existing facilities over past month
PLANTATION, FL /PRNewswire/ C3/CustomerContactChannels (“C3″), a global provider of customer management solutions, is adding 2,000 new jobs to the U.S. economy by opening up new call centers and expanding existing facilities. The company announced new centers in Tucson, Arizona and Waco, Texas and the expansion of its Salt Lake City, Utah and Twin Falls, Idaho facilities. In Tucson, C3 is in the process of hiring up to 600 people. In Waco, the company is about to start interviewing for 500 new positions. The Salt Lake City expansion will add more than 600 new jobs to that area, and the Idaho expansion will add between 200 and 300 jobs. All of the positions are for customer service representatives and managers that are salaries and with full benefits.
“We’re rapidly growing right now, and proud to be part of the economic recovery,” said David Epstein, chairman and co-CEO of C3. “Our business adds significant value to service based industries. We’ve seen an increase in new business, but also in existing clients looking to expand and extend contracts. We have assembled an outstanding team of professionals at C3, and our clients recognize the value we bring to the partnerships.”
C3/CustomerContactChannels is a global provider of business processing services, that offers customer management solutions for a variety of industries. A company led by the former PRC executive team, C3 has set itself apart in the BPO industry with its hands-on executive involvement, employee centric corporate culture and an outstanding team of industry veterans. The company provides customer management and performance optimization services to a prestigious client list that includes Fortune 500 and global 1000 companies. In addition to this U.S. based expansion, the company has increased its Asian operations by adding over 1000 workstations in Manila over the past quarter. This continued expansion is part of the company’s strategic mission to provide BPO services to customer driven, global 1000 companies across the globe.
“We are eager to expand our team,” said Rick Ferry, C3′s President and COO. “C3′s success can be directly attributed to our hardworking employees and the value they show clients every day.”
C3/CustomerContactChannels differentiates itself in the market because of its hands on executives and employee focused corporate culture. The company prides itself on a culture that encourages employee and leadership development, community development and career advancement in an environment that is both fun and exciting. C3/CustomerContactChannels offers competitive compensation and benefits packages that include paid training. The company has a history of partnering with local charities and becoming a strong local business partner. This is C3′s first contact center in Arizona and Texas.
Arizona Senator John McCain commented, “C3′s expansion into the State of Arizona is a testament to the great appeal of the City of Tucson and its talented workforce. We welcome C3 to Arizona and look forward to their positive impact on our community.”
Since 2010, C3 has opened five facilities in the United States creating nearly 3,500 jobs. C3 manages facilities and provides services across the globe, including Asia, Europe and the Americas providing a full range of customer contact management services for corporate clients. C3′s founders are considered pioneers in the industry having successfully grown global BPO companies over the last several decades. As a result, the company is uniquely positioned to deliver outstanding results for its clients through proven operational best practices and its veteran leadership team.
About C3
C3/CustomerContactChannels is a global provider of BPO services unlike any other in the market today. Services include Sales, Service, Performance Optimization, Reputation Management and complete customer interaction management via traditional, web, and emerging communication channels. C3 positively engages and promotes our clients’ brands with every contact we make with their customers. With a global team that is thousands of employees strong, the company is headquartered in Plantation, FL. More information can be found at www.c3connect.com.
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SOURCE C3/CustomerContactChannels
CONTACT: Jillian Tobias, +1-954-549-5175, jtobias@boardroompr.com, or Todd Templin, 1-954-290-0810, ttemplin@boardroompr.com, both of Boardroom Communications
Web Site: http://www.c3connect.com
Jobs for the Future’s Accelerating Opportunity Initiative Awards Grants to Eleven States to Transform Adult Education
Strategic Funding Collaboration Supports Community College Efforts to Increase Adults’ Employment Skills
BOSTON, MA /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ Jobs for the Future (JFF) today announced the grantees of Accelerating Opportunity: A Breaking Through Initiative, which will challenge states across the country to transform adult education systems into more successful pathways leading to economic security. Accelerating Opportunity targets workers who are underprepared for today’s demanding job market and builds on the legacy of JFF’s innovative adult education initiative Breaking Through, as well as Washington State’s I-BEST program. It is supported by a strategic partnership of five of the nation’s leading philanthropies.
Accelerating Opportunity has two phases. The first 11 states selected~~Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wisconsin~~have each been awarded $200,000 to support efforts to redesign adult basic education and postsecondary programs to integrate basic skills with practical, occupational training. Approximately five of these states will then be selected to receive implementation grants of $1.6 million each over three years to implement their plans. The initiative will engage nearly 40 community colleges across the country and impact over 18,000 adult learners.
“The number of adults without skills and credentials beyond high school is a national crisis threatening our economic recovery,” says JFF President and CEO Marlene B. Seltzer. “At the same time, employers are having difficulty finding qualified workers to fill skilled positions that command a higher salary. The trend will only continue~~by 2018, 70 percent of all jobs will require workers with some form of postsecondary credentials.”
Over 26 million adults lack a high school diploma. While just over 2.5 million of these individuals are enrolled in adult basic education programs, many of them leave after only a semester or two, not earning any form of postsecondary credential. Accelerating Opportunity seeks to change the way adult basic education is delivered by putting students on track to earn a postsecondary credential and providing them with the support needed to succeed. Educational pathways to higher skills, credentials, and employment will be rigorously tested and independently evaluated. This evidence will be provided to philanthropy, labor, employers, adult education planners and other stakeholders to ensure that adult education programs lead to postsecondary credentials and good jobs.
Accelerating Opportunity is funded by a strategic collaboration of diverse philanthropies including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. For program and implementation expertise, JFF has engaged the National Council on Workforce Education, National College Transition Network, and the Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges as partners.
“This is a serious economic issue, as well as an education issue. There is a mismatch between the high-demand, high-skilled jobs currently available and the skills workers currently have,” says Hilary Pennington, director of Postsecondary Success, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Accelerating Opportunity links directly with our work in postsecondary education, and most importantly, it will address the needs of a traditionally underserved population on community college campuses.”
Accelerating Opportunity is informed by the Breaking Through initiative, which has promoted the support of 41 community colleges in 22 states to improve career pathways and postsecondary education for low-skilled adults.
“Building from our previous work with Breaking Through, states will get the opportunity to identify the barriers to success for their residents and design a plan that will address the unique needs of their workforces and communities,” says Maria Flynn, JFF vice president, Building Economic Opportunity. “We are thrilled to expand this work and engage every important stakeholder, from community college presidents and trustees to local politicians and policymakers, allowing for redesigned programs that are genuinely sustainable.”
About Jobs for the Future
Jobs for the Future identifies, develops, and promotes new education and workforce strategies that help communities, states, and the nation compete in a global economy. In over 200 communities across 43 states, JFF improves the pathways leading from high school to college to family-sustaining careers.
About the National Council on Workforce Education The National Council for Workforce Education is committed to promoting excellence and growth in workforce education. As an affiliate council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), NCWE provides a national forum for administrators and faculty in workforce education and basic skills, as well as representatives of business, labor, military, and government, to affect and direct the future role of two-year and other post-secondary institutions in workforce education and economic development. NCWE provides the link between policy and workforce education and economic development by providing support, research, and critical information to members on current and future trends and policies.
About the National College Transition Network
The National College Transition Network (NCTN) at World Education, Inc. supports adult education staff, programs, and states, and regional and municipal agencies in establishing and strengthening college transition services. NCTN accomplishes this through technical assistance, professional development, collegial sharing, advocacy, and publications that focus on the needs of the field. NCTN connects policy and research and practice to help build the capacity and expertise in adult education.
http://www.collegetransition.org
About the Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) is responsible for administering the Community and Technical College Act and providing leadership and coordination for Washington’s public system of 34 community and technical colleges. The SBCTC is governed by a nine-member board appointed by the Governor. The SBCTC is headquartered in Olympia.
About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people~~especially those with the fewest resources~~have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
http://www.gatesfoundation.org
About the Joyce Foundation
The Joyce Foundation supports efforts to protect the natural environment of the Great Lakes, to reduce poverty and violence in the region, and to ensure that its people have access to good schools, decent jobs, and a diverse and thriving culture. We are especially interested in improving public policies, because public systems such as education and welfare directly affect the lives of so many people, and because public policies help shape private sector decisions about jobs, the environment, and the health of our communities. To ensure that public policies truly reflect public rather than private interests, we support efforts to reform the system of financing election campaigns.
About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Established in 1930, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. Grants are concentrated in the United States, southern Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
About the Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation is a $3.1 billion private, national foundation that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organizations in six fields of interest: arts and culture, community development, education, the environment, health, and human services. Fostering greater access to and success in postsecondary education for low-income, minority and first-generation college students is the focus of Kresge’s Education grantmaking. In 2010, Kresge awarded more than $23 million in grants to support higher education in the United States and South Africa, with more than one-third benefiting U.S. community colleges.
About the Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Marlene Seltzer https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=92766
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SOURCE Jobs for the Future
CONTACT: Jeff Landis, +1-617-728-4446 X146, jlandis@jff.org
Web Site: http://www.acceleratingopportunity.org
