The FutureMakers Coalition’s Healthcare Systems Alignment team hosted a healthcare lunch and learn hiring event on Wednesday, May 15, at Fort Myers Technical College. This event was tailored for high school seniors who have not yet decided on their career pathways after graduation, as well as adult job seekers looking to upskill or reskill.
Attendees had the chance to listen to employer presentations about entry-level positions and various career pathways within the healthcare sector. Training partners were available to answer questions and provide information on beginning training and other resources to support success.
Jennifer Thayer, Program Director of Workforce Planning and Development at Lee Health, highlighted the purpose of the event: “Through the FutureMakers Coalition’s Healthcare System Alignment team’s outreach efforts, local employers are joining together to promote the abundance of career opportunities available in healthcare. We want individuals to know that not all caregivers are nurses and doctors, and not all careers require a four-year degree. Our goal is to provide awareness of the many rewarding benefits that being part of a healthcare team can offer and the growth opportunities that exist right here in SW Florida.”
The event was sponsored by Cypress Living, Fort Myers Technical College, Hope Health, Lee Health, Nova Southeastern University, and Shell Point Retirement Community.
Talent Lives Here
Meet Helen Urribarri! Helen completed her ParaPro certification after going through Collier Adult Education’s ParaPro preparation program. Since Helen was already a volunteer at her children’s school, she decided to transition into being an early childhood ParaPro with a Head Start program at Calusa Park Elementary school. Catherine O’Neil, Ariel Pechokas, and Vanessa Alvarez from Collier Adult Education recently visited Helen to see her in action and learn more about what happens after our students complete the program and enter into jobs.
It was a joy to see her in action and one can tell Helen really enjoys what she does. In the long-term Helen plans to be a classroom teacher, being a ParaPro is just one stop on her journey. Helen has been working with a FutureMakers navigator to help remove barriers for her so she can continue on her path.
Opportunities to Engage
Quarterly Regional Action Team Meetings:
- Aspiration & Preparation Team – July 16, 12:00-1:30 pm Register
- Access & Entry Team – July 25, 1:00-2:30 pm Register
- Persistence & Completion Team – Aug 12, 3:30-5:00 pm Register
- Data & Reporting Team – Aug 13, 3:00-4:30 pm Register
- Resilience & Diversification Team – Aug 28, 3:00-4:30 pm Register
FutureMakers Initiatives:
- Healthcare Systems Alignment Team – June 6, 9:00 – 10:00 am Register
- Building Gender Equity in the Workplace – June 14, 9:00 – 11:00 am Register
- Leading with an Equity Mindset – June 14, 12:30 – 2:30 pm Register
- AI for All: Challenges & Opportunities in Deploying AI Across the Workforce – June 14, 3:00 – 5:00 pm Register
- Adult Mental Health & First Aid Training – July 12, 9:30-4:00 pm Register
- Are You Biased? Applying an Equity Lens to Talent Acquisition – July 24, 9:00 – 11:00 am Register
- Retain & Reign: Employing Equitable Retention Strategies – July 24, 12:30 – 2:30 pm Register
- Generate Success: Breaking Down Age Barriers in the Workplace – July 24, 3:00 – 5:00 pm Register
- FREE Virtual Trainings:
Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline
Partnership for Sustainability RFP Round 2 Closes May 31st!
The Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline is actively seeking employer partners in Southwest Florida who are enthusiastic about sustaining workforce development initiatives in four key sectors for both new and existing employees: PK-12 Education, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Healthcare through participation in the Equitable Jobs Pipeline. Ideally, proposals will include a well-defined strategy for the employer to gradually assume the cost of training, with the goal of achieving sustainability by December 2025. Total amount to be awarded: $3,800,000.00.
Proposals will be accepted between January 15, 2024 through October 31st 2024, with awards going out in April, July and December. If you need help, we will work with you to determine the best education partner and a plan to assume the cost of training over time. Read full newsletter here.
FutureMakers Navigators
Are you or someone you know interested in going back to school to complete your degree? The Fall 2024 semester is right around the corner and it’s a great time to get the pre-enrollment steps complete. You are not alone- your FutureMakers Navigator can walk alongside you to help.
Not sure where to start? A FutureMakers Navigator can help you learn about the most in-demand jobs in our region with pathways to upskill!
Sign up for a free Navigator at futuremakerscoalition.com/navigators.
Our Navigators have been busy learning about helpful resources and opportunities in the region. Here’s some of what we found:
Integrated Education Training Career Pathways
Collier County Adult Education has opened registration for career pathway programs in multiple sectors to help folks get started training for in-demand careers including healthcare, education, and manufacturing! Check out their IET Career Pathways Website for more information. Virtual options available!
Florida SouthWestern State College Saturday Scholars Program
FSW’s Saturday Scholars program is specifically designed for first-time in college students to complete their Associate of Arts degree on Saturdays for two consecutive years from 8:30am-2:30pm. Learn more here: www.FSW.edu/saturdayscholars
Free Career Accelerator Programs for SWFL Residents at Florida Gulf Coast University
30+ micro-credentials, digital badges, and certifications are available free for residents of Southwest Florida. Learn more about these amazing opportunities made possible by the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Economic Development Authority. Reskill at FGCU.
Stop by and meet a Navigator at one of these upcoming events:
Friday, June 14th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Community Fun Day
813 E Hickpochee Avenue
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Friday, June 21st from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Collaboratory Night Market
2031 Jackson Street
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Scholarship Launch Event
This year’s Scholarship Launch Event took place on Saturday, April 29th at Florida Gulf Coast University. This event was created for high school juniors by members of the Student Scholarship Collaboration Committee which include partners from Collaboratory, Florida Gulf Coast University, and the School District of Lee County to guide our local students on the pathway to postsecondary education.
Students participated in a campus tour of FGCU and heard from a college student panel about their experiences of transitioning from high school to college. Participants also heard from admissions staff from our local postsecondary institutions: Fort Myers Technical College, Florida SouthWestern State College, and Florida Gulf Coast University. This provided insight on the various local educational pathways. Students were also provided information about financial aid, the FAFSA, and scholarship opportunities so they can begin planning for their senior year.
What We Are Reading
Colleges Are Swimming in Financial Uncertainty Amid the FAFSA Mess
The number of first-time and transfer students who have paid deposits to attend Coker University this fall is nearly 5 percent higher than at the same time last year. Normally, that would be great news. But Natalie Harder, president of the small private college in South Carolina, isn’t certain that all those students will show up. “Our preliminary numbers are up,” Harder said, “but to be frank, I don’t necessarily trust them.” May is traditionally when colleges gain clarity about their incoming classes. This year, those enrollment projections have a big asterisk.
The college class of 2024 reflects on their unique college experience
The class of 2024 may be one of the most unique college classes. Many of them were high school seniors in 2020 and didn’t get a high school graduation.
They then entered college in the height of the pandemic, starting school entirely online. Additionally, they were experiencing fallout from the murder of George Floyd, increasing climate disasters and most recently campus protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas war. Despite all of that, the class of 2024 has a diploma in hand. MPR News producers Aleesa Kuznetsov and Josh Cobb talked to several college graduates across Minnesota who reflected on their college experience
What We Are Reading
John Colborn, Apprenticeships for America
John Colborn is Executive Director of Apprenticeships for America, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing apprenticeships as a viable pathway to expand opportunities for American workers and employers. John shares his extensive background in workforce development and his holistic view of economic opportunity, emphasizing the importance of education and skills training. The conversation explores the historical context and current state of apprenticeships in the U.S., highlighting the need for increased investment and a supportive ecosystem to enhance the apprenticeship model. Join us as we offer an in-depth look at how apprenticeships can serve as an alternative to traditional college pathways, promoting economic advancement through practical work experience and structured learning.
