Lyra was thrilled to facilitate the opening plenary at the “Unlocking Pathways Summit” hosted by the Community College of Aurora on August 10, 2023.
National, state, and local officials convened to discuss programs aimed at finding pathways for students to enter the workforce after college. Lyra’s panel was selected to highlight leadership by rural education leaders In providing pathways to opportunity for communities facing the coal transition. Speakers from the Yampa Valley shared their expertise on creating students experiences that infuse sustainability, promote stewardship , and expand access to high-wage green careers.
Panelists included:
- Christy Sinner, Former Superintendent of Hayden Schools
- Jennifer Holloway, Executive Director of the Craig Chamber of Commerce
- Jesse LaRose, Campus Dean of Colorado Northwest Community College, Craig Campus
- JC Norling, Campus VP for Colorado Mountain College, Steamboat Springs
This was one of twelve summits hosted by the Biden administration, along with the workforce nonprofit organization Jobs for the Future (JFF), around the country this summer to discuss how community colleges can prepare students for high-paying careers in fields like energy, manufacturing, construction, and cybersecurity.
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona spoke on behalf of the Biden administration, highlighting Biden’s economic and legislative agenda, saying the administration’s efforts will lead to more high paying jobs in the future. Cardona specifically cited recent federal investment bills including Biden’s Infrastructure law, the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act as several of the main drivers for job creation.
Of particular interest for the state right now is a workforce that can sustain the dramatic and rapid evolution toward clean energy. New skills will be needed to support this anticipated growth in these types of jobs, and education has an important role to play.
Speakers also included Gov. Jared Polis and Sen. John Hickenlooper.
“This is going to be a period where we transform not just our country, but the world — and we don’t have the workforce. We don’t have the skills necessary to do the work that we know has to be done.”
Senator Hickenlooper
“A tsunami of new jobs are coming. And not just any jobs — well paying, family sustaining, community building jobs. Careers that will drive our competitiveness as a country for years to come. But without bold and intentional collaboration, this wave of opportunity can pass our students by.”
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
Learn more about Climatarium hub Yampa Valley Partnership for Students, Stewardship and Sustainability here.
