UpSkill America - The Value of Local and Regional Initiatives

The UpSkill America Show is presented by Skill FM and Upskill America.

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UpSkill America is an employer-led movement to expand opportunity for America’s workers and allow our economy and communities to thrive. The movement promotes training and advancement practices to help workers progress in their careers and move into better-paying jobs. Led by a leadership team of employer organizations, UpSkill America’s mission is to recognize employers that invest in their frontline workers; promote the adoption of policies and practices used by employers to educate, train and develop frontline workers; and highlight effective local and regional workforce development partnerships and how they educate, train and develop individuals for success in the workplace.

UpSkill America is an initiative of the Economic Opportunities Program at The Aspen Institute, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Aspen Institute has earned a reputation for gathering diverse, nonpartisan thought leaders, creatives, scholars and members of the public to address some of the world's most complex problems.

About This Episode

The panelists in this episode attempt to answer the following questions: 

What can civic and education leaders do to create an ecosystem that encourages employer and education partnerships that lead to upskilling programs?

How do they ensure these programs develop a skilled workforce within a community that will serve existing employers and attract new ones?

Today's Episode Features:

Daryl Graham, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, Strada Education Network, where he leads strategic philanthropy, putting Strada’s insights into action by investing in organizations and strategies that strengthen the pathways between postsecondary learning and employment. 

Reg Javier, Deputy Executive Officer, San Bernardino County California. Reg has worked in workforce development for over 25 years, at all levels ranging from front line staff to executive leadership.

Amanda Winters, Program Director, Economic Opportunity, Center for Best Practices, National Governors Association where she serves as an advisor to state leaders on postsecondary and workforce policies.

Moderated by Lauren Weber, The Wall Street Journal, where her coverage has included the evolution of contracting and contingent work as labor models, legal issues in the workplace, the use of sophisticated pre-hire assessments, controversies surrounding the classification of independent contractors and employees, among many others.