On April 16, 2024, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s The Partnership, Inc. hosted the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit. Previously known as the Delaware Pathways Conference, the sold-out education and workforce development summit was held at Delaware Technical Community College.
With esteemed partners such as the Delaware Department of Education, Rodel, United Way of Delaware, Delaware Technical Community College, Delaware Workforce Development Board, the Office of Work Based Learning, and Delaware SHRM, the summit served as an opportunity to unite educators, higher educational professionals, and employers. Attendees arrived at the summit eager to explore the role of education and workforce development in Delaware and how they can get involved.
The day began with a morning keynote, Bridging Futures: Uniting Education and Industry for Delaware's Success, by Secretary Mark Holodick & Kimberely Hamill, SHRM President. Addressing the challenges and unity between education and the workforce in Delaware, they discussed curriculum alignment with industry needs, preparing students for the workforce, and more.
Following the morning keynote, attendees had opportunities to cross-sector network and attend breakout sessions on one of two distinct tracks. The Education Track was designed to empower educators with the tools and insights to enhance career pathways and student success. The Employer Track was geared towards employers seeking to optimize workforce development strategies and forge partnerships with educational institutions.
Later in the day, awards were presented.
The Superstars in Education and Training Awards Luncheon awarded three programs:
The 2024 Award of Excellence Winners included:
Lastly, the John H. Taylor Leadership Award was given to Jea Street.
The Afternoon Keynote, Navigating the Future, was a panel-style conversation facilitated by Michael Quaranta, President of DSCC, with Stephen Pruitt, President of the Southern Regional Education Board, and Luke Rhine, (former Associate Secretary for DE DOE & Director of the CTE Workgroup) Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education. They discussed education and workforce development on a national scale, identifying skills, successful statewide initiatives, and other ways to prepare for future careers.
With 300 educators, employers, and other stakeholders present, the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit was an immersive experience designed to shape the future of education and workforce development in Delaware. Attendees left the conference inspired, eager to get involved, and ready to take action.
How can you get involved right now? The answer is simple: Delaware Pathways!
Delaware Pathways bridges the gap between education and the workforce by allowing students to develop academic, technical, and employability skills and gain the real-world experience needed for successful, in-demand jobs.
High-quality career pathways connect students with Delaware employers and the community. It’s an opportunity for students to gain hands-on learning experience, in-demand skills, career exploration, and industry connections.
If you are an employer, you can get involved by becoming a partner. As a partner, you have the unique ability to shape the future workforce, engage with Delaware students, and gain access to emerging talent. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Delaware Pathways Partner in our blog post, and keep an eye out for information on next year’s Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit! You won’t want to miss it.
