The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD)’s Post

Picture this: my first job out of the gate was at the Nelson Mandela Institute for Rural School. Fresh off my stint as the first female President of the SRC at Fort Hare University, I was ready to dive into the world of innovative thinking with this stellar team. And oh, what a ride it was! Now, let me take you back to one unforgettable adventure. We were on a mission to visit schools in the rural heartland, and boy, did we encounter some wild scenes. Deep in the forests of Mqanduli, we stumbled upon a school that was, well, more of a jungle gym than an actual building. Prefab structures were the name of the game, but this particular one had a surprise in store: asbestos. Yes, you heard that right – the stuff of nightmares straight out of an Erin Brockovich flick. But wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on your perspective). As we cautiously ventured into the classrooms, we learned that the real danger wasn't just the asbestos – it was the snakes. Apparently, these slithery friends liked to cozy up in the insulation when things got toasty in the afternoons. Needless to say, our interviews were cut short as we high-tailed it out of there faster than you can say "snake charmer." Jokes aside, that experience sparked a fire in me to question the very foundation of our education system. Are we really equipping our kids with the tools they need to conquer the world? Are we making the most of our resources to ensure meaningful learning experiences? These are the questions that keep me up at night – and I'm betting I'm not alone. So, where are the leaders with the big ideas? Who's ready to shake things up and ensure that every child has access to quality education? The clock is ticking, and it's high time we start hearing some answers. Are you with me? 🔥 #BTWYRU #Voting #education #EducationRevolution #InnovativeLeadership #SnakesInSchools

Great opportunity for the next generation! Please check out the courses and video advertisements at the bottom of this posting. I hope you are as impressed as I am! All courses implement a hands-on approach with tools and software's to spike critical thinking and develop tangible skills. Courses Include: Mining & Explosives Programming Biomed Rocket Science Pottery and Glass Materials, Metallurgy, & Forensics Chemical Engineering Chemistry Robotics Pre-med Geo Engineering 3d Printing.

First-generation students' journey is extraordinary. They're breaking barriers, defying expectations, and paving the way for generations to come. At Ellucian, we're committed to supporting their success! Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4e7joo1 #FirstGenerationCollegeStudentDay

"Every community needs STEM-literate citizens who can engage with and help solve critical issues that impact our society." "Everyone benefits when we empower young people to become engaged citizens who understand how STEM can be used for public good and critical thinkers who are prepared to tackle the challenges of the future." "Afterschool and summer programs provide these opportunities and are proven to spark children’s interest in STEM." Learn more in our factsheet about afterschool STEM at the link below: https://lnkd.in/drGNy5Jz

📊 Did you know? Around 40.1% of associate degrees were earned by students of color, highlighting the increasing diversity within higher education. 🎓 Embracing diversity enriches our educational community and strengthens our collective future. #FactFriday #HigherEducation #DiversityMatters #RestoreEducation

Thank you @TheFutureofEducation for the opportunity to discuss the importance of the affirmative action ruling. "The removal of affirmative action will make it more challenging for selective universities to attract overlooked and underserved students. Despite this, students must recognize that these institutions still value and want them. Leveraging interviews and campus visits can help students showcase their suitability and belonging." Listen to the conversation and seek programs like the KEF that help you reach your goals. Key takeaway: Do not let the affirmative action ruling deter you from your dreams! Work around the challenges and pursue your aspirations. Listen here: FutureOfEducationPod.com Feel free to comment below what other alternatives others are considering to overcome the challenges. #Dream Big

Today, we highlight Niagara University's Inclusive NU Summer Camp Program, funded in part by the Martha H. Beeman Foundation. Inclusive NU is a one-week college and career readiness summer camp developed to provide a fundamental foundation for twenty-five Niagara County students with disabilities to successfully navigate the transition from high school to meaningful careers or higher education. There is a critical gap in education and support for high school students with disabilities to adequately prepare for transition into independence. By providing tailored guidance and resources, Inclusive NU equips students with the necessary skills to succeed in higher education and/or the workforce, fostering their independence and self-confidence. The program objective is to increase the number of students with disabilities who can: identify a career field that they would like to be employed in; participate in college-based learning experiences in an authentic college setting; obtain essential skills to gain and maintain meaningful employment, as independently as possible; effectively advocate for themselves as they pursue academic and/or employment goals. #liveunited #giveunited #dei #inclusion #summercamp #niagarauniversity

🤔 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐓𝐄 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬' 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬? 📊 Career Education Snapshot: 80%+ of 2019 high school grads completed at least one CTE course -Information Technology leads as the most popular CTE field -Gender gap persists: 87% of male students earned CTE credit vs. 82% of female students -CTE students more likely to earn associate degrees, less likely to earn bachelor's degrees #CareerEducation #WorkforceReadiness #EducationEquity Link to Article: https://lnkd.in/gXqUxBeX

Promoting inclusive education is not just about fairness; it's about enriching campuses and communities. Read about the importance of supporting students with intellectual disabilities and how Millersville University is leading the way. - Students with intellectual disabilities have the lowest college attendance rates. - Only 28% of adults with intellectual disabilities have held a job. - Integrating students with intellectual disabilities enhances campus diversity and prepares them for real-world challenges. - Their Integrated Studies program at Millersville University fully integrates students with disabilities into campus life. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g5DyHVu2