Submitted by Grays Harbor College

Local leaders invite you to join them on Wednesday, May 9, for the Rural Pathways to Prosperity Conference (P2P), part of a statewide effort to help communities provide youth better job preparation and more opportunities to learn valuable work skills. This is a day of inspiration, learning and regional networking to make better connections between business, educators and students through partnerships, mentorships, apprenticeships and other opportunities and engage with a national expert… without leaving your community.

Participants in over 18 sites across rural Washington will simultaneously watch Brent Parton, a national expert sharing best rural practices across the nation and state, and Chris Reykdal, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction share statewide activities, resources and opportunities. After their presentations, each site will put their ideas into action through facilitated discussions and activities, turning their attention to local issues, resources and project ideas. Community leaders will be able to ask questions, learn more about how to help young people in their own area gain work experience, and create a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the needs of business in even the most remote areas of the state. This conference is free to attend and will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Local sites include Grays Harbor College’s (GHC) campus in Aberdeen as well as GHC’s Riverview Campus in Raymond and Columbia Campus in Ilwaco.

“I am so excited about our opportunity to host this event at our three campus locations. GHC’s mission is to connect current and future students, professionals, and employers to various opportunities through hands-on learning experiences.  This conference gives the Grays Harbor and Pacific communities a chance to talk together, strategize after hearing from state leaders, and take action,” said Lucas Rucks, Dean for Workforce Education. “This is a good time to learn from one another and share in some creative conversations.”

Rucks feels the conference is a good opportunity for businesspeople to get together with area residents and local leaders to discuss concerns about programs and policies that prepare young people for great jobs in their local economies.

“This conference is for all community members who are concerned for Washington’s future,” added Jim Minkler, President at Grays Harbor College.  “It is our goal to help facilitate increased partnerships between agencies like the college and city, county, non-profit, and private businesses in the areas, as well as working closely with our K-12 and university partners in building career pathways through thoughtful, educational planning informed by the communities we serve.”

The 2018 Rural Pathways to Prosperity Conference is sponsored by WSU Extension in partnership with Washington Workforce Board, Association of Washington Cities, USDA-Rural Development, Grays Harbor College, and Career Connect Washington.

To register, click: http://waruralprosperity.wsu.edu/register/

For more information, visit www.waruralprosperity.wsu.edu.