What does 'inclusive workforce development' really mean?

Inclusive Development Network.JPG

Opportunity for all. Inclusive prosperity. Building more resilient people and places.

“Inclusion” and “economic development” don’t always go hand-in-hand. But they should. Now, more than ever, we need to create more economic developers with the skill sets, strategies, and sustainability plans to drive impactful workforce and talent alignment strategies in northwest Florida.

What does inclusive economic development look like? For our community, it means creating equitable opportunities for employment and mobility within Pensacola and the northwest Florida region.

This month, Pensacola was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Inclusive Development Network led by Florida West Economic Development Alliance in partnership with a cross-sector group of community leaders such as CareerSource Escarosa.

Achieve Escambia partners are at the table because our Bold Goal of 60% degree attainment by 2025 means matching solutions with surgical precision to equity issues happening in our communities on the ground. These issues of access and opportunity must be addressed to truly move the needle on postsecondary attainment.

You can check out the news coverage linked below to learn more about what’s at stake as the Inclusive Development Network takes shape over the next 18 months.

Operated out of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, our Leadership Team will have the chance to engage with experts from:

  • International Economic Development Council

  • Avalanche Consulting

  • Burning Glass

  • Quest Site Solutions

How can you engage in our Bold Goal?

Check out our monthly calendar for opportunities to engage in this network through the work of our Career Readiness Collective Action Network. The Career CAN serves as Escambia County’s Local College Access Network through our partners at the amazing Florida College Access Network.

Ruthie