Oregon Tech recently concluded its second annual Ready, Set, Innovate event, which aimed to inspire and nurture the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit within the local student community [93e5ebdc]. The event brought together students, mentors, and volunteers to engage in creative problem-solving and develop team-based approaches for tackling real-world challenges [8a438d7f]. Design-thinking workshops were led by industry experts, and the keynote speaker shared insights on innovation and strategy [8a438d7f]. Additionally, the event was sponsored by various organizations and received contributions from economic development associations [8a438d7f]. This event is just one example of how Oregon is actively fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in its local communities.
In another initiative, the Oregon Higher Ed Commission awarded grants to community-based organizations and workforce service providers, including the Warm Springs Community Action Team [7c848d8c]. These grants aim to advance innovative and collaborative workforce development programs, with a focus on serving underserved and marginalized communities [7c848d8c]. The projects prioritize equity, innovation, and statewide scope, providing access to education and training opportunities in various sectors [7c848d8c]. The Warm Springs Community Action Team, for instance, received a grant to provide linguistically- and culturally-specific Community Health Worker training and support in rural Oregon [7c848d8c]. Other projects include culturally-specific programming for specific student populations, addressing healthcare workforce disparities, and creating career pathways in advanced manufacturing [7c848d8c]. These grants are part of Oregon's commitment to creating a more equitable workforce system and providing training and support services to jobseekers from priority populations in high-demand fields.
These initiatives in Oregon highlight the common theme of fostering innovation and workforce development. Whether through events like Ready, Set, Innovate or grants for community-based organizations, Oregon is actively promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and equitable access to education and training opportunities. These efforts aim to create a more vibrant and inclusive workforce system, empowering individuals and communities to thrive in the ever-evolving economy.
In a similar vein, Owens Community College in Ohio has been selected to host the first U.S. edition of Jill of All Trades, an event that introduces young women to careers in skilled trades [c48f9c83]. The program, which originated in Canada in 2014, aims to address the future workforce needs in skilled trades by providing hands-on experiences to girls in grades 9-12 [c48f9c83]. The event at Owens Community College will include workshops, networking opportunities with local employers, and industry mentors [c48f9c83]. The goal is to increase college enrollment in trades and apprenticeships, retain skilled trades workers, and address gender diversity [c48f9c83]. The event is sponsored by Buckeye Broadband, with other sponsors including First Solar, Owens Corning, and Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwest Ohio [c48f9c83].
These initiatives in Oregon and Ohio demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting women in skilled trades and addressing workforce development needs. By providing opportunities for hands-on experiences, mentorship, and networking, these events aim to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through these efforts, both states are working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce that meets the demands of the future.