Greenville Works Director Presents to Regional Education Center Advisory Board

Mr. John Baker, Greenville Works Director, was guest presenter at the November 19th meeting of the Greenville REC Advisory Board. Personal Pathways to Success is one of the initial organizations involved in the partnership of Greenville Works. The mission of Greenville Works is to create a workforce advantage in Greenville County that promotes economic development for the benefit of the community in terms of income, quality of life, and a sustainable economy. To learn more about Greenville Works, visit their website at www.greenvilleworks.com.

What is a Regional Education Center?

Twelve Regional Education Centers are located across the state of South Carolina. Each REC is made up of a network of local service providers within its region that collaborate in helping to connect the local education and business communities. The goal of the Regional Education Centers is to assist students and adults access the career guidance and opportunities they need to become better prepared employees enabling the state to compete and excel in today's global economy. Click LINK for more details.

Public Awareness Committee Member Featured in the Greenville News

Thirty-nine years ago this month, Carl Sharperson sat in an office at northern Virginia’s Spotsylvania High School, waiting along with two football teammates to meet with a college recruiter. Shortly after a recruiter for the U.S. Naval Academy came into the room, the two teammates walked out. Like many young men of the Vietnam era, they had no interest in the military. At 17, Sharperson says he made one of the smartest decisions of his life: He stayed to hear what the Naval Academy representative had to offer. He later discussed the matter with his father, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had served during World War II. Carl Sharperson is the Vice President of the Kidder Group an executive recruiting firm located in Greenville. Carl also serves as the Chair of the Public Awareness Committee for the Greenville Regional Advisory Board. Click LINK to read full article.

Personal Pathways Partnership Provides National Pinnacle Award Finalist Selection for GSHRM Work Readiness Council

The Greenville chapter of the Society of Human Resource Managers is being recognized for their involvement with the Greenville Regional Education Center of Personal Pathways to Success. The Workforce Readiness Council was established in the fall of 2008 as a special committee of Greenville Society of Human Resource Managers (GSHRM) with the vision of building a qualified workforce that can compete in a global economy.

Business Involvement is Critical to Success in Education & Workforce Development

Did You Know?
• There is 1 Certified Career Specialist for every 300 students
   in middle schools and high schools.
• Students take Career Assessments beginning in middle school.
• Workplace relevance is being integrated into the curriculum.
• While in high school, students experience a variety of
   professional opportunities through job shadowing,
   apprenticeships or internships.
Connect 2 Business is a new website that links your company or organization to thousands of students and adults through educational and career planning resources. C2B is a critical component of the South Carolina’s Personal Pathways initiative to ensure a skilled and educated workforce to compete in today’s global economy. Why not take advantage of this FREE website to generate awareness about your business or organization? Visit scpathways.org to register on C2B.

What Are Career Clusters?

South Carolina has organized professions and careers into 16 broad categories. These Clusters of Study were developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Each cluster has its own coursework designed to help students better understand their chosen field of interest. Each public school district will offer a minimum of three clusters. Students can transfer to a different school within their district if that school offers a cluster of study unavailable at their assigned school. Clink LINK for more details about the 16 clusters.

BI-LO Charities and Personal Pathways Collaborate on College Internship for College Students in Greenville County

The Greenville Regional Education Center facilitated BI-LO Charities' effort to offer internships to college students in Greenville County attending Bob Jones University, Furman University, North Greenville University and Greenville Technical College. Additionally, Carol Browning, Executive Director of BI-LO Charities set up a meeting for the Personal Pathways Coordinator to meet with Ken Peterson, VP for Human Resources and Diversity. Mr. Peterson expressed interest in Connect 2 Business, Kuder Journey and possible opportunities for middle and high schools students at BI-LO in February 2010 during job shadowing month. Click LINK for more details about this collegiate internship program.