27/07/2009

Career Cruising Network to reach students in Southwest Washington

Career Cruising is excited to announce that thousands of students and career researchers in Southwest Washington will be able to connect with local employers and career- related learning experiences using Network’s powerful communications tools over the next two years. nConnect NW, a Vancouver, WA-based private non-profit will use Network to expand its BizConnect program, making it accessible to schools and employment centers in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. The initiative has been made possible by a Department of Labor grant administered by the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC).

“Career Cruising Network will help us bring innovative education-industry connections to Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties,” said Natalie Pacholl, nConnect NW’s Program Manager. “Our industry partners want to have an easy way to help young people explore the world of work and link what they are learning in the classroom to what goes on in the real world.” Adds Brandi Stewart-Wood, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the SWWDC, “nConnect NW plays a critical role in the development of our local area workforce pipeline. Career Cruising Network will enable nConnect NW to fill a gap that employers have wanted filled for some time.”

nConnect NW currently works with schools and community volunteers in Southwest Washington. Network will allow nConnect NW to make these connections online as part of students’ career exploration experience. Career Cruising Network will be accessible in five pilot high schools in the region starting in the fall of 2009. The program is expected to expand to 20 high schools by 2012.

nConnect NW joins a growing group of regional Career Cruising Network administrators. For more information on Network and other regional implementations, visit:

http://www.careercruising.com/Public/ProNetIndex.aspx

About Career Cruising Network
Career Cruising Network brings together education and industry to help students achieve their goals and address communities' workforce development needs. Fully integrated with the Career Cruising guidance system, Network enhances the career exploration process for students and adult career researchers, while helping local employers and workforce development agencies shape the future workforce.

About nConnect NW & BizConnect
nConnect NW's mission is to challenge high school students to succeed in rigorous academic subjects and to prepare them to become future leaders and innovators in the global economy. nConnect NW was founded in 2005 to provide mentors to encourage and support students taking rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement Courses. Since then, nConnect NW has expanded it services to include the BizConnect program which connects students and teachers to local science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) industry professionals in a variety of ways with a goal of providing them with an opportunity to get hands-on exposure to the use of STEM concepts in the business world.

About the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council
The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) provides leadership and resources to increase economic development with a trained and productive workforce in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties. Led by a diverse board of representatives from business, labor, community-based organizations and government agencies, the SWWDC responds to the unique needs of its community. SWWDC funds approximately $5 million in workforce programs annually in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties which are administered through community partners including nConnect NW.