This online gathering engaged state policymakers, philanthropy, business leaders, and higher education institutions in a unique cross-sector conversation on the future of state systems of lifelong learning.
On October 27-28, 2021 state, education, and business leaders and other experts gathered for a conversation on a wide variety of skills-based and credential-focused topics including COVID-19 recovery, emergent technologies, and best practices for reaching underserved communities.
Agenda
Day 1
Introduction
The Skills Revolution
This session explores why creating a skill-based economy matters, including the connection between workforce-infrastructure and other state priorities.
Speakers:
- Scott Pulsipher (WGU)
- Gayatri Agnew (Walmart.org)
- Stephanie Marken (Gallup)
- Chris Lowrey (Ivy Tech)
Mapping the Ecosystem
This session explores the intersection between workforce development and other strategies/priorities that states grapple with.
Speakers:
- Maurice Jones (OneTen)
- Deb Everhart (Credential Engine)
- Kathleen deLaski (Education Design Lab)
- Alex Kaplan (IBM)
- Boris Kun (US Department of Defense)
The Indiana Achievement Wallet
This session introduces the Indiana Achievement Wallet, a technology tool for workforce development.
Speakers:
- Marni Baker Stein (WGU)
- Darin Hobbs (WGU)
- Kacey Thorne (WGU)
- Rick Torres (National Student Clearing House)
- Kymberly Lavigne-Hinckley (Markle Foundation)
- Alex Kaplan (IBM)
- Kris Deckard (Goodwill Indiana)
Day 2
Keynote Address
Mark Plunkett, Vice President of Custom Training, Education Solutions and Business Development at CompTIA Tech Career Academy, provides the day 2 keynote address.
Peer Learning
This session allows state leaders to learn directly from their peers on how workforce technologies have been adopted in other states.
Speakers:
- Nick Moore (Alabama)
- Aaron Fichtner (New Jersey)
- PJ McGrew (Indiana)
Technical Assistance:
This session focuses on highlighting best practices from our nonprofit and private partners to help states implement workforce technologies and close the skills gap.
Speakers:
- Emilie Rafal (Credential Engine)
- Darin Hobbs (WGU)
- Kacey Thorne (WGU)
- Jason Tyszko (U.S Chamber of Commerce)
- Kathleen deLaski (Education Design Lab)
- Ricardo Torres (National Student Clearing House)
- Karen R. Elzey (Workcred)
