Thursday, June 2, 2011

Join the Conversation on Career & College Readiness during Workforce and Education Forum

Orange Park, FL – June 1, 2011 – According to the Journal of Human Resources, an estimated $1 billion is spent each year on college remediation – teaching students the knowledge that they should have learned in high school.  Among the top 30 industrialized countries, the United States ranks 21st in science and 25th in math.  Yet math and science have been at the top of our educational priorities for years.

These topics and others will be discussed by a panel of experts at the Clay County Chamber Foundation’s Workforce and Education Forum presented by Community First Credit Union of Florida.  The event will be held Thursday, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Journey Church, 6225 Lake Gray Blvd., Jacksonville.  The cost is $50 and advance registration is required.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To register, click here or call (904) 264-2651

The panel of experts includes Deborah Leach-Scampavia, Director of Education Outreach for Scripps Florida, who will discuss how producing more graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will ensure Americans are globally competitive.   Deirdre Finn, Deputy Executive Director of the Foundation for Excellence in Education will talk about the “10 Elements of Digital Learning Now” and how they can transform education. Finally, Rick Delano, President of Social Marketing Services, will provide updated information about the “Millennial” generation and its impact on education reform.
 
This is a vital discussion about the challenges faced in educating our young people, particularly how each of us can make a difference in the future workforce,” said Theresa Smith, Chair of the Chamber Foundation and sales executive with the Jacksonville Jaguars. “I strongly encourage every business to participate to some extent in this forum.   Together, we can advocate for the importance of college and career readiness standards and motivate students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.”

The program also will include recognition of the five finalists for Clay County Teacher of the Year, as well as the Ridgeview Academy of Culinary Arts and the VyStar Academy of Finance as “Model” academies, a national certification. 

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The Clay County Chamber Foundation’s mission is to support programs that enhance education, economic development, research and leadership opportunities by building relationships through business and community involvement.