Future Ready Oregon: Year in Review
The past year has featured a number of key activities in the implementation of Future Ready Oregon strategic initiatives and grant-funded programs. Check out some of the highlights below. And please join us in thanking our industry, education, and community partners who have collaborated in advancing a more equitable workforce system.
January – The HECC announced the first round of Workforce Ready Grants, which awarded $10 million in grants to support 42 projects focused on building capacity of existing, successful workforce development programs.
February – The HECC Office of Research and Data released the Future Ready Oregon, Year One Report, detailing the implementation of Future Ready Oregon from March to June 2022.
April – The Request for Applications for the second round of Workforce Ready Grants opened, seeking applications for up to $35 million in funding to develop innovative workforce education and training programs.
April, June & August – The Healthcare Industry Consortium convened in April for its kick-off meeting, followed by the Technology Industry Consortium kick-off meeting in June, and the Manufacturing Industry Consortium kick-off meeting in August. The Industry Consortia address employment gaps and opportunities in key sectors of Oregon’s economy and convene quarterly for public meetings. This year’s meetings focused on establishing goals and working agreements, and on preparing to inform future rounds of Workforce Ready Grants.
June/July – The HECC transitioned from using state General Funds to federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in the administration of Future Ready Oregon.
October – The Oregon Workforce Partnership completed the Prosperity 10,000 Year Two Report for submission to the Workforce and Talent Development Board.
November – The HECC announced the second round of Workforce Ready Grants. Preliminary awards totaled approximately $35 million for 30 projects that expand innovative workforce programs and partnerships in support of underserved and underrepresented communities.
December – HECC staff prepared the Future Ready Oregon Year Two Report and the 2023 Report on Credit for Prior Learning for submission to the Oregon Legislature. The Future Ready Oregon Year Two Report will be released at a future date on the HECC website.
What’s next for Future Ready Oregon in the new year? Throughout 2024, expect updates on Industry Consortia activities, on the launch of the Workforce Benefits Navigators pilot program, and on the projects supported through Prosperity 10,000 and Workforce Ready Grants.
Healthcare Industry Consortium
To Convene for First Quarterly Meeting of the New Year on January 25th
The Healthcare Industry Consortium is scheduled to meet on January 25th, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, at the Portland Community College – Performing Arts Center, Sylvania Campus 12000 Southeast, SW 49th Ave., Portland, OR 97219. Additional details are forthcoming and will be made available on the HECC’s Future Ready Oregon: Industry Consortia webpage. Or, subscribe to the Industry Consortia public meeting notices to receive the latest updates via email. All quarterly meetings are open to the public.
Pictured: Healthcare Industry Consortium meeting, June 2023.
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“Industry Consortia: A Promising New Model for Oregon Talent Development”
Consortia Leaders Present at Recent Oregon Business Plan Summit
The December 11th “Thinking Big” Oregon Business Plan Annual Leadership Summit featured a panel that included leaders from Future Ready Oregon’s Industry Consortia. Panelists advocated for a collaborative approach to workforce development, such as the partnerships between industry, education institutions, and community-based organizations that the Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Technology Industry Consortia are fostering in order to address gaps and opportunities in key sectors of Oregon’s workforce.
For more information, check out the background document for the panel: “Industry Consortia: A Promising New Model for Oregon Talent Development.”
Pictured: "Partner Engagement in Industry Consortia" panel, Oregon Business Plan Annual Leadership Summit, December 11, 2023.
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Prosperity 10,000 Update
Constructing a Brighter Future in Lane County
Lane Workforce Partnership (LWP) wants you to know about Constructing a Brighter Future, a collaborative project that engages Lane County educators and students, community-based organizations, and local businesses. The project, which has received Prosperity 10,000 support through LWP, equips young people to construct transitional housing, and provides both job skills to students and temporary shelter for unhoused individuals in Eugene. Check out the full story on LWP’s website, and don’t miss their video overview of the program.
Prosperity 10,000: The Future Ready Oregon investment package set aside $35 million in Prosperity 10,000 funds for Oregon’s nine Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) to expand opportunities for Oregonians to jumpstart and advance their careers in high-demand industries and occupations that put them on a pathway to self-sufficiency. The Prosperity 10,000 Program is designed to provide a series of workforce development opportunities and supports especially for Priority Populations through the LWDBs.
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