Each of you has a stake in ensuring that today’s students achieve career satisfaction and lifelong success. Every one is different, but for those students who crave both a challenge and flexibility, a 2+2+2 Workforce Development Program might be just the right fit.

Beginning today to train for the jobs of the future is a win for both employers and students. Employers spend fewer resources looking for employees with the skills they need to stay competitive—organizations like Centocor, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Inc., and Windber Research Institute are already enjoying the benefits of participation in a 2+2+2 Workforce Development Program.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is fostering the development of partnerships among secondary schools, two-and four-year institutions of higher learning and businesses to make sure there is a steady supply of talented, technically competent employees entering the workforce. Students gain valuable skills at every level, which means they spend just the right amount of time and money to obtain the kind of job they want. And if either student or employer later decides that more education is needed, the 2+2+2 Programs make it easier to upgrade skills.

DCED guidelines require:

• High school students must score ‘Proficient’ or ‘Advanced’ on their PSSA tests for math and English
• A minimum of 15 transcripted credits are articulated from high school to 2-year institution and a minimum of 15 transcripted credits articulated from 2-year to 4-year institution
• A Guarantee/Warranty is given to graduates at each sequence of education.  The Guarantee provides for the retraining of individuals whose knowledge or technical skills are deemed unsatisfactory by their employer in the next sequence of education up to 12 credit hours free.
• Awareness of nanotechnology is incorporated at each level of education
• Industry input in the determination of curricula, exit criteria, standards, and skill certificates