Cities are the economic engines of our nation . In understanding this role as economic drivers , mayors and other city partners - including representatives from city workforce , economic development and education - will be working together to ensure pathways for all citizens to education and employment with the ultimate goal of building vibrant local economies . Cities understand the need to forge partnerships and build multisector approaches to ultimately retain talent and build strong and vibrant local economies . They know their efforts depend on their ability to develop and retain a well-educated workforce with 21st Century skills . To reach this goal , cities need clear pathways to college and postsecondary programs that are responsive to regional workforce needs . The value of a college educated community brings both personal and city-wide benefits . On average an individual who earns a 4-year degree contributes
$ 278,000 more to the local economy than a high school graduate over their lifetime and an associate degree earner contributes $ 81,000 more according to The Brookings Institution and analysis of Census data .
NLC , through its Institute for Youth , Education , and Families and with support from The Kresge Foundation and with additional support and technical assistance from LinkedIn around data , will bring together city leaders from the government , education and business sectors and national experts that will help Corpus Christi develop strategies and expand the city ’ s efforts in ensuring all residents can earn a postsecondary certificate or degree as well as gain meaningful employment . Through this initiative , Corpus Christi will have the opportunity to join a cohort of cities that will work together through 2017 to implement innovative and sustainable education and workforce strategies that address major equity issues . The city will also have access to labor market trends in hiring as well as insights on education pathways and key skill sets leading to employment from LinkedIn , which it can use to help workers attain the skills employers need most .
Learn more about this twoyear body of work and other postsecondary and workforce solutions programs offered by NLC here .
In addition to Corpus Christi , the other five cities chosen to participate in the Technical Assistance Cohort include Austin , Texas ; Charleston , South Carolina ; Houston , Texas ; Jacksonville , Florida ; and Nashville , Tennessee .
For more information , contact Dr . Gilda Ramirez , Vice President for Small Business and Education at gilda @ unitedcorpuschristichamber . com or at 361-881-1800 or 361-815-0957 .
Announcing the " Texas Internship Challenge "
The Texas ’ Tri-Agency partners have announced the “ Texas Internship Challenge ,” a new statewide campaign to increase and promote internships for students in Texas . Click to read the entire press release .
Check out the new website where employers can post positions and students can apply for summer internships at www . TXInternshipChallenge . com . For more information contact Dr . Gilda Ramirez , Vice President for Small Business and Education , at gilda @ unitedcorpuschristichamber . com or 361-881-1800 or 361-815-0957 .