Workforce Development & Education DIVISION
BOB BELL , VICE CHAIR
Accomplishments & Highlights :
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTEE
SALLY PARDUE , CHAIR
• Highlands Workforce Development and Education Steering Committee was formed to address recommendations from two studies , a high school drop-out study and a labor market study for the four Highlands Counties . The steering committee established sub-committees to take action on goals / objectives based on the recommendations of the studies and based on the needs of employers seeking a highly skilled / trained workforce .
ANNUAL 8th GRADE CAREER FAIR
TRACY HUGHES , CHAIR
• Hosted the 7th Annual 8th Grade Career Fair at TTU ’ s Hyder Burks facility with over 40 companies and organizations showcasing career opportunities within their companies to over 1600 students from Clay , Jackson , Overton , Putnam , Van Buren , Warren and White Counties prior to students making their high school program of study choices . This premier event continues to be successful due to the strong collaborations with employers , secondary and post-secondary education partners .
PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
ANGELA BRUCE , CHAIR
• The Parental Engagement Program expanded its offering to new companies and organizations and added new topics to assist guardians with new approaches to complex issues faced by themselves and their children and grandchildren . Topics vary and include but are not limited to bullying , self-esteem , social media , dealing with different personality types , drugs and peer pressure .
• Conducted 25 Parental Engagement sessions with 121 participants attending throughout the year .
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