“Racing To The Top With Partnerships and Community Engagement” KY Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC) “Racing To The Top With Partnerships and Community Engagement” The Kentucky Work Ready Community Program Ron Daley – KVEC/Hazard CTC

Our Appalachian region serving 15 counties Densely populated and mountainous High Poverty Rate Lowest Quotient of Well Being in Nation Declining coal industry-massive layoffs with potential for outmigration

Our assets to meet opportunities Rural genius- mountain ingenuity Remarkable educational history Home of Carl D. Perkins (father of federal aid to education) Two celebrated education governors both from East KY – Bert T. Combs and Paul Patton Oldest educational cooperative in the state (1969 –KVEC) one of oldest in nation

Empowering Students The $30 million spanning four years is all about the 42,256 students served by 2,860 educators in 99 schools in 14 counties. The “Appalachian Renaissance Initiative,” focuses on personalized/customized learning and empowering students with their voices and choices.

Appalachian Renaissance Initiative Race To The Top grant 1) Personalized Learning Environment 2) Next Generation Classrooms 3) Accessible Data Systems 4) Effective Teachers and Leaders 5) College- and Career-Readiness 6. Student Voice and Choice 7.) Early Childhood and Wellness

Strategic partnerships connect stakeholders and community to schools Appalachian Higher Education Consortia (AHEC) Colleges/Universities learn needs of rural schools Colleges/Universities conduct research and educator training Appalachian Innovations Collaborative (AIC) Super P-16 Council on steroids connects regional stakeholders Engages business community and ties learning to jobs Creating Work Ready Community Region

Partnerships and policies need to address rural educational challenges Lack of civic infrastructure to show students community supportive Creation and support for Rural Edu-conomy Innovation Action Labs (Zones) tying all stakeholders providing educational services Encourage and enhance philanthropy in rural America for education Market place is not getting broadband into rural areas Prepare students for global work through World Languages

Rural challenges continued 90 % of counties with persistent poverty are rural - poor health follows poverty Poverty- needs based scholarships, college access Rural workers make $11,000 less than urban counterparts – tie education to high wages and available jobs Dual Credit preparing students for global jobs and postsecondary education

What is the Kentucky Work Ready Community Program? Framework Process Certification Economic Development Tool

SITE Selection 2013 Top 5 Site Selection Factors: 1 SITE Selection 2013 Top 5 Site Selection Factors: 1. Skilled Workforce 2. Transportation Infrastructure and Access 3. Growth Opportunities 4. Market Access 5. Customized Incentive Package

Levels of Certification

The Kentucky Criteria High School Graduation Rates National Career Readiness Certificates Community Commitment Educational Attainment/GED® Soft Skills Development Internet Availability

Certification Benefits Demonstrates collaboration within the community to address workforce and education issues Provide existing employers with a qualified applicant pool Economic Development Tool Existing Business Expansions New Business

Establish First “Rural Edu-conomy Innovation Zone” in the United States Using Work Ready model to build community support for education Inform community about K-20 education Engage business and local leaders in education Tie education to economic and community growth Creating Global “Silicon Holler” Innovation Hub

Questions or comments?

Ron Daley Strategic Partnership Lead for KVEC Race to the Top Hazard CTC director of External Educational Programs Ron.daley@kctcs.edu 859-388-0406 PO Box 2050 Hazard, Kentucky 41702