Public Issues Forum - Preparing Today's Kids for Tomorrow's Jobs: What Should Our Community Do?

 Join local experts, residents, students and professionals in a discussion of this hot topic. Each approach will be discussed, areas of concensus will be realized and conclusions will be recorded and sent to local government and educational agencies.

Approach One: A Firm Foundation
Americans' strong work ethic has long been credited for building this nation's economy. In this view, today's emphasis on "me first" and instant gratification has eroded this sense of responsibility. Our focus should be on teaching basic work skills and character traits that are fundamental to job success at any level

Approach Two: Academic Competition
The United States has been losing ground in an aggressively competitive global economy. Technology, math, and science are the keys to our economic future. If American young people are to holdWhen the item you want is checked out to someone else you may request that it be held for you when it is returned. Requests can be made for any item in our catalog including new releases and items on order. You will receive notification via e-mail (or telephone) when your hold is available for pick up. Your request will be honored in the order it is received. their own in tomorrow's marketplace, it is critically important to improve the number and rigor of K-12 courses and to create community expectations for excellence in these areas.

Approach Three: The Community First
There is a critical need for qualified workers to fill jobs in the local businesses that are the backbone of a community's economy. In this view, community and educational goals should be created with the needs of the local economy in mind. This will not only benefit graduates and businesses, but will strengthen the community as well.