Youth Apprenticeship Summit 2020 – Oct. 13

The COVID-19 public health and economic crisis has had major repercussions for American education systems, the labor market, and employers. Economic projections indicate the repercussions of the pandemic will be large and long-lasting. This plenary will provide an introduction to the work of the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship and explore the value of apprenticeship in supporting a healthy, inclusive economic recovery and building toward stronger, more resilient communities.

SPEAKERS

Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO, New America

Taylor White, National Director, Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship, New America

At the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) Launch Event in October 2018 we featured youth apprentices from CareerWise Colorado and the Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program in a panel discussion about their apprenticeships and the opportunities it has made available. Two years later, now having completed their programs, three of those apprentices shared updates with us about where they are now.

Youth apprentice Courtney Smith describes her experience as an advanced manufacturing youth apprentice with Machine Specialities, Inc. in Guilford, North Carolina.

Youth apprenticeship is a promising strategy for improving access to valuable credentials, affordable postsecondary study, paid work experience, mentorship and social capital–all factors that can lead to more equitable outcomes for students. But to do so, youth apprenticeship programs must be designed intentionally to confront long standing inequities in our education systems and labor market by gender, income, disability, and — most starkly — race. This session will highlight strategies that can support equitable access and lead to improved education and employment outcomes for youth apprentices.

SPEAKERS

Allan Freyer, Principal, Peregrine Strategies, Inc.

Marie Kurose, CEO, Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County

Dr. Travis Reeves, Superintendent, Surry County Schools

Elena Silva (Moderator), Director, PreK-12 Education, New America

SPEAKERS

Janay McClarin, Engagement Manager, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity

As communities across the U.S. scrambled to adapt to dramatic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis, youth apprenticeship programs adapted quickly to support apprentices, educators, employers, and other key partners. This session will feature program leaders and employers who will address considerations for maintaining momentum and growing youth apprenticeship programs during a period of economic uncertainty. SPEAKERS Breanna Allen Director of Student Pathways, Horizon Education Alliance Travis Meyer Manager, Kem Krest Graham Neer Youth Apprentice, Kem Krest Melissa Stowasser Assistant Vice President, Community Partnerships, Trident Technical College Lul Tesfai (Moderator) Senior Policy Advisor, New America