Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition hosts career pathways event

The event featured tracks for both education professionals and for the public.
The event featured tracks for both education professionals and for the public. | File photo

The Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition (SOIC) will host “Thriving in Challenging Times: Connecting Education to Economic Development,” to launch Lawton Fort Sill’s Career Pathways Initiative on June 10.

The event gives students the tools they need to fill gaps in the local workforce. Taking place at Cameron University, in the McMahon Centennial Complex, it will feature tracks for both education professionals and for the public.

“A ‘career pathway’ is a culture shift that provides students a chance to obtain the education and credentials they need to be career-ready and successful in jobs that support local workforce needs in both business and industry,” SOIC Executive Director Marilyn Feaver said. “Our presentation is geared to help educators, business professionals and community members better understand the tie between education and economic development.”

After opening addresses from area professionals and the Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Education, the event will diverge into two tracks. Community and business leaders will spend the morning learning about career pathways, while education professionals will benefit from a more in-depth approach that will last the full day.