Funds will expand SCK LAUNCH talent development program to 10-county South Central Kentucky region
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (March 14, 2017) — The South Central Workforce Development Board announced two grant awards totaling $40,000 that will be used to expand the comprehensive career immersion initiative: SCK LAUNCH – Learning About Unique and New Careers Here to the Board’s 10-county service area.
The grants will provide SCK LAUNCH curriculum to area eighth graders and will allow for the development of a Youth Services Coordinator position with ResCare.
The SCK LAUNCH: Career Immersion project is aimed at empowering all students with the ability to successfully leverage their career options upon graduation. SCK LAUNCH curriculum will be provided to 14 school districts within the South Central Workforce Development Board service area. Because of this grant, over 220 educators in 25 schools will gain valuable knowledge about high-demand job and industry needs. They will be able to successfully translate that information to over 3,400 students slated to attend 2017’s SCK LAUNCH Experience hands-on career exploration fair in November in Bowling Green.
“The engagement of graduating seniors throughout the 10-county South Central Kentucky region, coupled with the ability to provide the SCK LAUNCH Experience curriculum for all 14 school districts in the region will enhance the Chamber’s efforts in cultivating the region’s emerging talent needed by area businesses,” said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch. “We are grateful for the South Central Workforce Development Board and the dedication and hard work that was necessary to make this happen.”
ResCare’s new Youth Services Coordinator will be a dedicated link between the region’s high school seniors and area businesses. It is aligned with talent development strategies driven by the SCK LAUNCH initiative and new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act expectations and will focus on recruiting separating seniors into open positions throughout the region.
“The South Central Workforce Development Board is excited to receive these two youth services grants. These funds will support valuable programs that will begin to bridge the gap between our young people and the opportunities available to them here in our area,” said Board Chairman Ron Sowell.
The Youth Services Coordinator will work to identify all students pursuing full or part-time employment, ensure all students are provided career pathway information that is focused on the region’s high-demand, high-growth sectors, and make sure each student is afforded the opportunity to work with the Kentucky Career Center on resumes and interview skills.
“I thank the Chamber for their work to secure funding on behalf of the South Central Workforce Development Board,” said Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon, Chief Local Elected Official of the South Central Workforce Development Board. “Connecting our young people to the opportunities in South Central Kentucky is paramount to our region’s continued success.”
For more information about SCK LAUNCH visit scklaunch.com.
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