With 49% of working-age Floridians currently holding a postsecondary degree or credential, there is still work to be done in order to ensure the state has the talent needed to meet the needs of its rapidly growing economy.
FCAN is honoring best practices in that area with its first-ever Workforce Education Innovator Awards, which recognize community leaders who strive to prepare students of all ages for the education and career that is right for them, especially in high-demand fields.
The 2019 Workforce Education Innovators are:
Dr. Aysegul Timur, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Strategy & Program Innovation, Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Timur collaborated with higher education institutions to develop and launch the Professional Effectiveness Certificate (PEC), a competency-based certificate program designed to improve an individual’s marketable skills and workforce competencies.
Chris Laney, Director of Education & Community Investment, CareerSource Suncoast. Laney launched the State of Jobs Conference in 2013, where students are guided along tracks associated with the careers they’re most interested in and engaging with business leaders in those career fields.
Teri Jones, Executive Director, Macedonia Education Technology and Career Academy. Jones created a talent pipeline for healthcare workforce needs through the Elderly Compassionate Care Program, which seeks to help low-income adults enter training to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and assist current CNAs in obtaining scholarships for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training.
The Workforce Education Innovator Award winners were nominated by their peers and selected through a competitive process. They will be honored at a special awards luncheon on May 8, 2019, at Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, as part of the 2019 FCAN Summit.
“Strengthening workforce education is a priority across our state. This year’s inaugural awardees exemplify the innovative practices needed to ensure Florida’s economic vitality,” said Laurie Meggesin, FCAN’s executive director.
Please join us in congratulating these dedicated professionals on this well-deserved recognition.
About Florida College Access Network
Florida College Access Network (FCAN) is Florida’s first collaborative network committed to ensuring all Floridians have the opportunity to achieve an education beyond high school and prosper in Florida’s dynamic economy. Our mission is to create and sustain a statewide network that catalyzes and supports communities to increase college and career preparation, access, and completion for all Florida students. For more information, visit floridacollegeaccess.org.
