In this episode of the Chamber Link, Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, dives into the critical importance of career awareness, exploration, and preparation for our emerging generations. Joined by a passionate panel of educators and workforce leaders, the discussion centers on how the region is proactively tackling talent attraction and retention years before students even graduate.
Guests include Darcy, a former high school English teacher who now facilitates professional development; Heidi Schultz, the Chamber's Workforce Engagement Coordinator; and Dr. Jonas, Director of Career and Technical Education. Together, they explore how connecting local businesses with educators is the key to a thriving economic future.
Key Takeaways:
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The Power of C3Tech: Discover how the Cass County Career and Technical Education Center (C3Tech) network collaborates across eight high schools to share programs, instructors, and learning spaces, maximizing career exploration opportunities for nearly 30,000 K-12 students.
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The "Adventures" Program: Learn about this free, four-day immersive professional development initiative kicking off on June 15th that takes educators directly into local businesses, from manufacturing facilities to tech companies. Educators can earn continuing education credits through North Dakota State University while discovering career opportunities to bring back to their classrooms.
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Work-Based Learning Tiers: Dr. Jonas breaks down the tiered approach to career readiness, starting with foundational career lessons and field trips in early education, moving to job shadows, and culminating in hands-on cooperative work experiences and internships for high schoolers.
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Ambitious Regional Goals: The panel highlights bold new initiatives driven by public school leaders, including a goal to engage 650 regional businesses in work-based learning within the next year. They also aim to have 25% of high school seniors complete a work-based learning experience before graduation.
Call to Action: Whether you are an educator looking to sign up for the upcoming Adventures program—registration is open until June 6th—or a local business ready to inspire a student by offering a job shadow or internship, there is a place for you to make an impact. Businesses of any size can easily get involved by reaching out to the Chamber or utilizing the Compass tool through Golden Path Solutions to connect with future talent.