Scaling the Summit

SCALING THE SUMMIT

The 2nd Annual Community and Career Connected Learning Summit was held at the end of October at beautiful Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center. Over 80 people from the region attended to network, collaborate, and learn from one another. The group included educators, business owners, community organization leaders, nonprofit leaders, government officials, and community organizers. The Summit focused on ways that youth can be in the community through experiential, place based learning that supports both individual learning and whole community viability.

At the Summit, which was co-sponsored by Rural Action, participants learned from one another about best practices for engaging students and generating flexibility in schools to allow for community and career connected learning. They also learned about the importance of national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, in supporting and driving the work. Additionally, participants heard from marketing experts and state and county funding organizations about ways to support capacity building and programming growth that allows for adaptability and local needs. Summit participants also heard about new job growth and opportunities for youth in sustainability from experts in farming, solar, and ecotourism.

Data on Summit Goals:

• 82% of participants reported they were able to connect with others who could help their work in the future

• 89% of Summit participants gained ideas to build the capacity of their organizations

• 96% of Summit participants reported that the ideas they gained at the Summit will impact their organization.

The Summit is an effort by the BB2C Network, Rural Action, and other regional partners to bring together organizations and individuals all across the region to talk about community development and the role of youth in creating healthy, sustainable rural communities. Stay tuned for more mini-Summit events and collaborations with other partners for regional convenings. Thank you to everyone who attended the Summit and all who made it possible!

What people are saying about the Summit:

For me, it was being able to see best practices that are making a difference. Also, it's always a great boost of energy to meet and see so many other people who are dedicated to career connected learning and solving the challenges that are facing our students and our communities.

It was inspiring to see what is happening in my region and to think about the possibilities available.

Understanding how our business staffing/skill needs can be communicated to educational professionals, so students can be better aligned for opportunities in local organizations.

I think the Summit as a whole was a great example of the type of event that is necessary to build collaboration and networking across a large region. Being able to build similar experiences will provide a great benefit to my organization.