By Hermann Pereira
The Prosper Waco Education & Workforce team recently participated in a statewide convening hosted by the Trellis Foundation and Jobs For the Future. This convening was part of a large grant we were awarded last year from Trellis for upskilling and reskilling efforts. The funds have supercharged our UpSkill Waco initiative.
This convening was not just a conference, it was a learning community. We are one of 18 different partners across the state that were awarded the grant from Trellis for our workforce efforts.
In this learning community we were able to collaborate and build relationships with like-minded organizations and leaders. We discussed topics such as aligning postsecondary and workforce initiatives, high-quality career pathways, strategies for regional upskilling and reskilling efforts, and brainstormed new cutting edge ideas.
This was a powerful time with statewide partners, as well as local ones. One of our pivotal partners in UpSkill Waco is Heart of Texas Goodwill. From the beginning of this project they have rolled their sleeves up with us and found new and innovative ways to bring equitable access to workforce development in McLennan County. We are thankful that Denise Whitsel, vice president of mission services, joined us in person for this convening.
What’s next for UpSkill Waco and workforce development in our community? There are lots of things on the horizon and our team would love to have a conversation with you.
Education & Workforce Team
Hermann Pereira – hermann@propserwaco.org
Tiffany Gallegos Whitley – tgallegos@prosperwaco.org
Heaven Lee – heaven@prosperwaco.org
Hermann Pereira is chief program officer for Prosper Waco.