Colorado is leading the way on partnerships between K-12, higher education, local industry and workforce partners – the educonomy – to establish a shared vision for the future of education and economic development in a local community or region. In this session we will explore the robust landscape of career-connected learning efforts across the state that are leading to reimagining the high school and postsecondary experience for many young people, particularly in rural contexts. Speakers will share their experience building and sustaining new pathways, how philanthropy can launch and seed ideas locally, and how industry partners provide real world learning experiences for students to help explore their passions, interests, and career trajectory.   Learning Goals: •The role of corporate and individual philanthropy in seeding and scaling these innovations •The ways in which rural communities have leveraged philanthropy, state, and local resources to support career-connected learning  •How employers serve as both co-creators of programming for experiential and entrepreneurial learning and seed investors in talent development. 

Panelists:

• Lalitha Christian, Manager of Strategic Community Development, Henerson Mine & Mi8ll
• Chris Lopez, Community Relationship Manager, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
• Shannon Nicholas, Chiefof Staff, Colorado Succeeds
• Denise Whinnen, Director of Colorado Programs, Gill Foundation