education

Jane Smith, Ph.D.
Education Program Manager

Education is a key component in the BRAC process that involves school administration, state and local governments on many levels.  With an expected population increase of 40,000 people in the next three to five years because of BRAC, the Community Impact Assessment results show an exceptional need for more classrooms, teachers and administrators.  In addition, the workforce needs in the region will require more integration between the public schools, community colleges and regional colleges and universities. 

The BRAC RTF has created a broad transformational vision that includes engaging the workforce development, economic development, and education communities along with other key stakeholders to transform the region’s workforce to meet the needs of emerging industries.

The mission of the education program is to:

• facilitate collaborative communication between educational institutions, workforce support agencies, and the business community;
• promote technology and innovation to improve student success;
• ensure the infrastructure necessary to facilitate more effective vocational and technical training; and
• promote literacy in lifelong education throughout the region to include improving the high school graduation rate and progression to post-secondary programs.

The BRAC RTF is engaged in a number of programs to help address dropout prevention, identify career clusters for future workforce needs, and to bring together education and workforce in the region to collaborate and partner on programs.

Dropout Prevention
There are several programs in place here in the Fort Bragg region school systems which address middle school/ high school dropout prevention.  These programs transition students from graduation to the workforce through community college programs and by using classroom tools such as:
Project Citizen
REAL Game Online
Career Readiness Certification

Career Clusters
By 2013 and beyond, the Fort Bragg region will have transformed from a manufacturing-based economy to one that is high-tech defense-related.  In a recent study, a number of careers have emerged as leading the way to a defense business economy.  Access the following Web site for more information.

Homeland Security
Healthcare
Teaching
Construction
Enhanced Training and Simulation
Green Technology

Current Areas of critical shortage in All American Defense Corridor
Critical Careers Chart
Labor Market Information with Searchable Database

Joint Education and Workforce Advisory Group
The Joint Education and Workforce Advisory Group meets monthly to discuss new initiatives, share news, and develop community throughout the education and workforce institutions in the region.  The group includes representatives from Workforce Development agencies, K-12 schools, community colleges, proprietary schools, and universities.  To become involved, contact Dr. Jane Smith.

Information from our 2008 meetings:

April 22, 2008 – UNC-Pembroke
Chancellor Allen Meadors’ presentation
Business Connections Porter Scientific    www.porterscientific.com
Project Citizen
Military Spouse Career Advancement Account

March 28, 2008 – Fayetteville State University
Chancellor Hackley remarks
FSU, BRAC, and UNC Tomorrow
Scotland County Schools Career Readiness
Certification                                           
Principal Shadowing
Virtual Hospital
Ten Ideas for Connecting the Workforce System and Public Education
K-14 Initiative in Davidson County                     
Ideas for Industry Cluster Engagement with the K-12 System

February 26, 2008 – Methodist University
Interactive 3-D Certification @ FTCC
FSU MSW Army Partnership
Workforce Development Board Overview
WDB Presentation - Denise Day
Workforce Development Board Areas
Vision East Map

January 22, 2008 – Campbell University
Leadership Challenge Brochure       
Leadership Challenge Application
Career Readiness Certification
Southeastern Center for Environment Excellence
Center for Entrepreneurship
CareerStart Progress Report - Jan 08 (pdf)

November 27, 2007 – Central Carolina Community College – Harnett County campus
Dr. Matt Garrett’s presentation
           Career Readiness Certification

Other Links
Federal Impact Aid for Schools (pdf)

Table Top Exercise After Action Report

NC Public Schools Directory