Building a Solid Foundation

For The Future Success Of Our Community

BY SANDRA BAKER

About

South Central Kentucky Learning About Unique and New Careers Here—SCK LAUNCH—is an overarching talent development strategy that begins at the earliest opportunity in kindergarten and carries to graduation. SCK LAUNCH is building on the momentum achieved through implementation of the principles of Franklin-Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” in elementary and middle schools, and continuing the efforts in our local high schools through immersing students in knowledge about local careers. Our elementary and secondary school systems rank among the best in Kentucky and the U.S. because of our region’s commitment to strong community values, supportive business leaders, and parent involvement. As the fastest-growing city in Kentucky, a qualified pipeline of talent is the key to sustaining the success of Bowling Green and Warren County.

WHO SCK LAUNCH is backed by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with Bowling Green Independent School District, Warren County Public Schools, and local business partners. Through the backbone support of the Chamber, SCK LAUNCH drives toward a common agenda, shared measurement, continuous communication and mutually reinforcing activities. The community’s Collective Impact efforts inspire the powerful education and business partnership necessary to create the talent pipeline for high-demand sectors to grow in our economy.

WHAT The intent of the SCK LAUNCH initiative is to ensure our children graduate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed in whatever path they choose upon graduation. Regardless of their path, we want them to be prepared to succeed in their chosen career pathway and understand that we are all lifelong learners. SCK LAUNCH envisions all students graduating demonstrating the characteristics of The Ideal Graduate – GlobalMinded, Emotional Intelligence, and Lifelong Learner.

HOW SCK LAUNCH prepares students by providing opportunities to explore their interests, experience relevant work, and connect with the real-world. The SCK LAUNCH Community Plan provides the implementation road map to engage business and school partners to strategically coordinate and align efforts. The work of SCK LAUNCH is organized and conducted by specialized tactic teams made up of community members and educators who bring a diversity of expertise and a passion for education.

Gallup’s research indicates that a student who has a meaningful work-related experience before graduation is more likely to persist in the real-world. The goal of SCK LAUNCH is that 100% of students will graduate with career-related experience which will be directly applied to the local workforce opportunities, thus creating a pipeline for qualified and available applicants.

How Can You Help

In order to realize the full potential for the SCK LAUNCH initiative we are seeking philanthropic support from the community.

This initiative will include:

• Training to enhance and empower leadership and to create relevant connections for students

• The establishment of career-focused models within the high schools to provide access to relevant materials and equipment which mirror the modern workplace

• Events and activities which connect students directly to the high-demand sector businesses to launch their future careers

• Marketing efforts which will create awareness of these opportunities for students, their families and the community

For information on investing in SCK LAUNCH, please contact Meredith Rozanski at 270-901-4750 or Meredith@bgchamber.com. Learn more at www.scklaunch.com