Economic and workforce development work by Confluence’s leaders spans the redesign of Puerto Rico’s career pathways system following Hurricanes Irma and Maria to co-chairing a 67-member Colorado higher education task force whose recommendations generated $95 million in state investment. The common thread is a process that produces agreements institutions actually implement.
Puerto Rico students matched with employers in year one
Allocated to programs recommended by a Confluence-facilitated task force
Recognition for Puerto Rico career pathways work
After Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated Puerto Rico’s school system, the Governor and Secretary of Education faced a question that went beyond rebuilding facilities: how to redesign the system of career pathways for students in a way that would produce real economic opportunity, not just credentials. At their invitation, Abramson designed and led a multi-phase initiative to modernize career pathways as part of the broader school system redesign.
The initiative established first-of-their-kind partnerships between schools and employers. In the first year, more than 1,400 students were matched with employers for work-based learning opportunities, with more than 800 guaranteed a job at a living wage upon completion. The work was recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative with an Ideas Into Action award.
Students matched with employers in year one
Guaranteed a living wage job upon completion
Clinton Global Initiative Ideas Into Action award
Government of Puerto Rico · Secretary of Education
Colorado’s institutions of higher education were under growing pressure to demonstrate their value in preparing students for the workforce. A legislatively created Task Force of 67 members was convened to examine the role and mission of higher education in the state and make recommendations on workforce development. Confluence President Berrick Abramson co-chaired the Task Force.
The Task Force’s report received positive reception across the state and national recognition. State leaders acted on the recommendations, allocating more than $95 million to programs the Task Force identified or recommended. The work also served as the foundation for multiple pieces of subsequent legislation.
Full strategic planning entry on the Strategic Planning page.
Task force members
Allocated by state leaders to recommended
programs
Co-chaired by Berrick Abramson
National recognition · Foundation for subsequent legislation
The initiative established first-of-their-kind partnerships between schools and employers, not a report recommending that someone else do it.
Puerto Rico Career Pathways · Clinton Global Initiative
State agency leaders, Governor’s offices, county governments, and organizations navigating problems that have resisted every standard approach reach out directly. The engagement starts with a conversation.
CO · NC · FL · National
