Workforce Connections Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, January 14, 2020
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement with Hillsborough County, Florida for Hillsborough County Manufacturing Academy Workforce Development Initiatives (Workforce Connections)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2015, the Hillsborough County Manufacturing Academy Workforce Development Initiatives were established to provide operational and support services for the delivery of manufacturing related workforce training initiatives for high school and postsecondary students, graduates, and residents in the Hillsborough County Manufacturing Academy Program, with a special emphasis on the recruitment of minorities, women, and veterans.  These initiatives address the manufacturing skills gap by raising awareness of manufacturing opportunities in Hillsborough County, preparing students for careers in manufacturing, and engaging the private sector in providing on-the-job training opportunities for students. As part of this new agreement covering two fiscal years, funds are available to enhance the following: Mechatronics Program and Lab Expansion at Leto High School Welding Technology Program Equipment Upgrades at Erwin Technical College and Hillsborough, Jefferson and East Bay High Schools Manufacturing and Welding Industry Certifications Training at Erwin Technical College and Armwood, Middleton, Hillsborough, Jefferson, and East Bay High Schools Signatures from Hillsborough County, Florida will be obtained after this agreement is presented to their Board.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funding of $250,000 for this project is provided by Hillsborough County, Florida with $132,500 allocated in Fiscal Year 2020 and $117,500 allocated in Fiscal Year 2021.
EVALUATION
Over the past two school years, over 800 students were enrolled in manufacturing-related courses and students earned 27 Welding certifications and 74 Engineering Core certifications.  The new agreement will be evaluated by a survey of students, teachers, and advisory committee members to seek feedback regarding the impact of this equipment on course completion, industry certification, and job placement of students.
SUBMITTED BY:  Warren S. Brooks, Workforce Connections Officer, Workforce Connections

Warren S. Brooks		Gretchen Saunders
Workforce Connections Officer, Workforce Connections (813) 231-1860		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		B 6.14
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20200114_977 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.14