Our goal
Our goal is to create a truly public-private partnership. We will need the support of philanthropic organizations from the region, business partners, governmental entities and school systems to make this happen.
The Problem
College has priced out (become too expensive) many families. (Studies suggest up to 83% of the population cannot afford to send a family member to college.)
Job placement for college grads is at an all-time low.
Kids are graduating from high school without any meaningful skills and limited opportunities to enter the workforce in a productive manner.
The traditional vocational workforce is aging out without enough specially trained youth to replace them.
Emerging jobs in tech, product innovation, and renewable energy, require a growing workforce with customized training outside of college.
Changing educational requirements to meet the changing post COVID world.
THE EPIC MODEL
A set of pathways where high school and adult learners can earn credentials and obtain skills to be job ready for jobs that provide a living wage for the area we serve.
The model is based on the premise that to be successful, the industries must be involved in determining the content the learners are expected to master so they have faith that graduates will have the skills necessary to enter the workforce.
What is the EPIC Model?
ADMINISTRATION
A central coordinating entity (BOCES) that can support multiple programs across the region and is well situated to convene stakeholders and lead constituents towards successful outcomes of the implied goals of the work.
INVESTORS
Investors that are willing to financially support the EPIC model to increase the viability of the program in producing high quality workers who in turn can help expand economic opportunities in the region. Also, investors who are willing to engage with community leaders and philanthropic organizations who can support the EPIC program through multiple means, including financial, political and through governance structures.
INDUSTRY
Industry partners who are willing to provide support in the following ways:
- Be part of the core planning process
- Agree to provide support for instructors for each of the pathways
- Financial support for instructor costs
- Time/Effort to be guest lecturers
- Time and effort to vett curriculum
SCHOOL PARTNERS
Work with the BOCES to develop/design and initiate programs/pathway
- Provide access to students
- Provide financial support for associated costs not covered by other means
- Provide opportunities for students to gain full benefit of program curricula, including earning credit beyond elective for courses that have been cross-walked to state academic standards
- Provide space when available for programs to be integrated into the schools
PUBLIC PARTNERS
Public Partners who will provide support in working with schools and industry to provide transitions to good jobs in the area and are willing to work with local governments to support the EPIC model through political, financial and governance support when possible.