Priority 4 Develop Strategies for Workforce Entry, Re-Entry Across the country, about 25 million adults live in an “education desert,” defined as a micro- or metropolitan statistical area where zero colleges or universities are located nearby, or one community college is the only broad access institution in the area. Across the country, about 25 million adults live in an “education desert,” defined as a micro- or metropolitan statistical area where no colleges or universities are located nearby, or one community college is the only broad access institution in the area. • One in five Native or Indigenous adults live in an education desert • One in 10 Black and Latinx adults lives in an education desert • In Washington, approximately 350,000 adults between the ages of 18-49 live in an education desert Geographic access is one of many possible powerful examples of the barriers to overcome in supporting educational attainment goals that align with statewide workforce needs. Flexible and workforce-aligned program offerings, comprehensive and equity-centered support structures, and sufficient financial assistance offer other key considerations. The convening participants agreed that the state should consider a variety of pathway and support innovations that enable Washingtonians to enter and re-enter the workforce. Suggestions include: • Flexible program delivery through prior learning assessment and competency- based education • Grow-your-own programs that support pathways into teacher prep programs • Using state aid to help college grads pursue a second career and contribute to other workforce shortage areas • More robust alignment between program offerings and engagement opportunities with industry
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