The FutureMakers Coalition is fortunate enough to collaborate with over 300 FutureMakers who represent business, education, government, nonprofits, philanthropy, students, and residents across the five Southwest Florida (SWFL) counties. These stakeholders are committed to implementing system changes that connect an untapped workforce with the education and training needed to fill in-demand jobs by removing attainment barriers and creating a culture of career exploration and aspiration from an early age. Perhaps the greatest stakeholders are the students and working age adults who are the beneficiaries of the Coalition’s efforts. It stands to reason then that the “real time” perspectives of students can help the Coalition better understand current education issues and what corrective actions may be needed. The FutureMakers Coalition organized a Virtual Student Summit on October 22nd in which 45 SWFL high school students provided their feedback on questions related to the barriers to success they face pertaining to education and career goals. The output from the Summit is summarized here and will be explored in more depth in future communications.
