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As a global economy increases the
demand for an educated, skilled, motivated and productive
workforce, we must invest in strategies that improve
the potential for education attainment and retention
of our students. Early childhood learning, student
awareness of promising career opportunities, continued
life-long learning and skill development, enhanced
work ethics, and improved attainment in science and
math curriculum are all essential long-term strategies
for meeting the workforce needs of the diverse base
of employers in the St. Joseph area.
The workplace is changing. Now,
more than ever, we need a strong, skilled American
workforce. Connecting employers with skilled employees
keeps businesses rolling, cities thriving, states
prospering, and the American economy booming.
Another Smart
Move
 As
the overall umbrella for our workforce department
programs, this important initiative promotes “life
long learning.” Additional education
and training can provide a better job and a better
life. Check out
www.anothersmartmove.com
to learn about exciting training opportunities,
job growth trends and job listings. |
 Business
Ethics Workshop The
Missouri Chamber of Commerce, area businesses
and St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce team
up annually to promote ethics for our
future workforce. St. Joseph
and Savannah high school students learn about
the importance of sound ethical practices.
Business and community representatives
provided small group leadership
in the all-day workshop. This workshop is held
in the fall. |
| Career Fair
The
largest Annual Career Fair in Northwest
Missouri is held each spring
at the Civic Arena. More
than 2,000
job seekers attended last year. The
St. Joseph Employment Coalition assists in the
organization and planning for this event.
Sixty-one businesses participated in
2009, as well as 31 resource providers.
In 2010,
the event will take place
on April 27. To register as an employer use
this form.
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| emPower Plant
A transformative learning program known as emPower Plant is
noticeably preparing students from the four-state
region for careers and as responsible citizens.
This unique demonstration site works with rural
and urban schools (primarily grades 6 – 8).
It combines an innovative one-day learning simulation
at emPowerU, which is then extended and linked
to an in-class curriculum and an opportunity
to connect with community through real-life
service-learning work. Students are challenged
to think critically, work in teams, communicate
effectively and make good decisions. Visible
results show children who experience emPower
Plant simulation are
more likely to show gains in civic engagement,
citizenship, social responsibility, valuing
education and higher achievement scores. A modified
emPower Plant simulation is also available for
the business community in promoting team building
and problem solving skills for their employees.
For more information, contact Heartland Foundation
at 816-271-7200.
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| My Success Event
Area businesses
promote career opportunities available to more
than 2,100
area sophomore students from 33
Northwest Missouri high schools. Held
in October each year at the St. Joseph Civic
Arena, representatives from more
than 80 businesses met one on one with
students and encouraged them to develop a career
path. Through a career laboratory,
they shared the educational and technical skills
necessary to pursue their career interests.
By clicking on
www.mysuccessevent.com
, you can learn more.
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| P-20
Council  Strategic
planning efforts by the Heartland Foundation
– Healthy Communities Investor Council, led
to an understanding that educational attainment
unlocked the door to healthier communities.
A Northwest Missouri P-20 Educational Council
was formed to address this issue. The council’s
mission is committed to promote healthier,
more livable communities through connecting
a diverse partnership committing to, advocating
for, and achieving optimal educational outcomes
and ensuring a prepared workforce now and in
the future. More information can be
found at
www.heartlandfoundation.org/healthycommunities/. |
| Profit In Education
 As
a United Way initiative, the PIE mission is
to improve the educational level of the workforce
in the community. Increasing
the high school graduate rate to 90%, reduce
the percentage of adults who lack a GED
and encourage lifelong learning are current
goals of the program. The
business community and educational parties are
teaming together to meet challenging goals.
Visit
stjosephunitedway.org for more
information. |
Show-Me
Scholars
 Show-Me
Scholars is a community-based,
high-impact strategy to motivate students to
complete a more rigorous set of high school
courses to better prepare them for college or
the workplace. Show-Me
Scholars pairs
local business leaders at
the high school level, where they work
with students in planning their future.
The St. Joseph
School District and the Chamber of Commerce
implemented this program during the 2009/2010
school year. The Chamber attends awards ceremonies
for students who complete the courses and award
those students medals.
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| Signs
of Successful Person (Character Education)
 The
development of positive character traits is
valuable to everyone. For
example, confidence, compassion and cooperation
help to define who we are.
Schools and businesses are promoting character
traits by recognizing students and employees
for being positive role models.
Monthly news media promotions include
information from management, employees and students.
The goal is to create a culture at school, in
the work place, in the community and in the
home where character building and practice is
the norm. |
| Success By 6
 An
initiative by the United Way of Greater St.
Joseph, this is a community-based movement of
public and private partners working together
to deliver proven solutions for children.
The goal is to ensure that all children
ages zero to six are healthy, nurtured and ready
to succeed. Check out
www.readsingplay.org
for more information.
Additionally, the Family
Friendly Employer program was launched in 2008.
The program encourages employers to evaluate programs
or policies to help working parents better manage
the stress in balancing work and home |
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
KCADC
www.thinkkc.com
State of Missouri, Dept.
of Economic Dev.
www.missouridevelopment.org
Data
Demographics
www.nwmoinfo.org
Education/Workforce Development
Location Advantage/Transportation
Small Business Development
Taxes
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