One of Seven Regions Selected to Increase Access to High-Quality Credentials for Adults of Color
The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce is one of seven organizations selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) to participate in a new national program to help strengthen chamber of commerce partnerships with community colleges and community organizations to increase the number of adult learners of color who earn an industry-relevant credential or degree.
“We have been working hard to bridge the local talent gap and it’s exciting to see our collaborative efforts being recognized on a national level” says Corrie Melton, Vice President of Talent Development. “We’re looking forward to strengthening our partnerships with Tallahassee Community College and the City of Tallahassee’s TEMPO program and growing quality jobs in the Big Bend region.”
Partnerships between chambers of commerce and community colleges have the potential to significantly increase the number of adult learners of color completing high-quality, relevant short-term credentials and degrees. Given the current spotlight on upskilling and the resources that are being reallocated to fund short-term credentials, now is the time to capitalize on the potential for these partnerships.
To support the development of these partnerships, and to increase the number of workers with in-demand credentials and degrees, Lumina Foundation has provided a grant to jumpstart progress. The ACCE Foundation (ACCEF) and American Association of Community Colleges identified a virtual cohort of teams from seven cities or regions. Each team will be comprised of a chamber, a community college partner and an organization that directly represents minority communities.
The Tallahassee Chamber will team up with Tallahassee Community College and City of Tallahassee’s TEMPO Program to identify the barriers to credential attainment and create quick-win solutions to address those challenges. They will join teams from six other regions on monthly virtual convenings to gain access to national subject matter experts, receive customized technical assistance and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities to create a strategy for longer-term collaboration to build their momentum after the grant period ends.
“We are grateful for Lumina Foundation’s continued support for the catalytic leadership chambers of commerce provide in the communities they serve,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Strong cross-sector partnerships are crucial to addressing workforce challenges, building resilient local economies and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
The other communities participating in the program include:
• Aurora, Illinois
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Fargo, North Dakota
• North Central Massachusetts
