Linked Learning Alliance and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Co-Host Convening to Highlight Employer and Industry Engagement in College and Career Readiness Approach
PASADENA, CA – The Linked Learning Alliance and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce will co-host a convening in Pasadena on October 10th that focuses on engaging business and industry in transforming the high school experience to better prepare students for college and careers. To register for this event, click here.
“The upcoming convening in Pasadena is a great opportunity to explore how the business community supports all of the critical components of Linked Learning,” said Christopher Cabaldon, Executive Director of the Linked Learning Alliance. “The Linked Learning Alliance is working to develop an infrastructure that will support growth of this effective high school reform approach, but we will only succeed if we partner with business and industry at the local, regional, and state levels. I’m excited to see how the Pasadena community is delivering Linked Learning through a coordinated effort between their schools, district, community college, and corporations.”
Linked Learning integrates rigorous academics and technical education and is organized around a broad theme, interest area, or industry sector in a wide range of fields such as engineering, arts and media, and biomedicine and health. Business and industry play a critical role in connecting what is taught in the classroom with students’ interests and career aspirations. As a result, Linked Learning prepares students for the full range of post-graduation options including college and career readiness.
“Each year, over one million students do not graduate high school on time. This is obviously a significant issue for future employers who are seeking an educated and quality workforce,” said David Rattray, Senior Vice President of Education & Workforce Development of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “We believe in the power of Linked Learning to transform students’ lives so they can be the business and industry leaders that will steward a strong economy in the future. We are co-hosting this convening because it is critical that the business community is part of the effort to improve and expand Linked Learning opportunities for students. We all have a stake in ensuring students receive an education that prepares them for life’s opportunities beyond high school.”
Convening participants will get to see Linked Learning in action at John Muir High School, and meet educators and industry professionals who are working together to make high quality Linked Learning opportunities available to California students. Dynamic industry and community leaders will be featured speakers to highlight Linked Learning and its relationship with workforce development. Speakers will include:
- Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Paul Little
- Pasadena Unified School District, Superintendent Jon Gundry
- Pasadena Educational Foundation, Executive Director Patrick Conyers
- Linked Learning Alliance, Executive Director Christopher Cabaldon
- National Academy Foundation, Assistant Vice President Brenda Barry
- Chevron Products Inc., Community Engagement Specialist Andrea Bailey
- City of Pasadena, Mayor Bill Bogaard
As the head of the convening’s host district, Pasadena School District Superintendent Jon Gundry added, “Linked Learning provides a tremendous opportunity to combine our focus on academic rigor with workplace ready 21st century skills. Both are needed to prepare all of our students to successfully compete and thrive in today’s global economy. We are eager to share our district’s Linked Learning story, and collaborate with others at the convening to make it even stronger.”
The convening will be held at the Pasadena Convention Center on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 from 8am-3pm. Registration is open and complimentary for all Alliance business and industry members, and $25 for non-members. To register for this event, click here.
# # #