Strada partners at the Community Education Coalition in Southeast Indiana are engaging with educators, employers, policymakers and community organizations to improve postsecondary education and build a talent pool that will serve area businesses for decades to come.

Strada cast the net wide in 2019 to identify and support seven new partners who are creating opportunities for learners across the country to move seamlessly between education and meaningful careers.

I know it’s difficult to believe, but the best part of my job in philanthropy is not giving away money. That’s fun, to be sure, but much more rewarding is building relationships and collaborating with Strada Education Network’s grant recipients, creating stronger pathways between education and employment.

In Fall 2019, Strada gathered its grant recipients in Indianapolis for its first-ever Grantee Forum to share best practices in improving pathways between education and careers.

Employers in San Diego collaborate with educators and workforce development partners to quickly identify, train, and certify talent for jobs now and in the future.

Strada Education Network is hosting a series of Employer Forums around the country this year, highlighting successful collaborations where employers, educators, and policymakers are working together to improve the education-to-career ecosystem.

Strada Education Network collaborates with the Jackie Robinson Foundation to give scholarships and aid to chosen scholars. These scholars are provided with financial support as well as mentoring to help them achieve the bright futures they envision for themselves.

I’m a great admirer of Jackie Robinson, the sports legend, civil rights activist, and American hero best known for breaking through Major League Baseball’s color barrier. But after spending time recently at the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Mentoring and Leadership Conference, talking with JRF-Strada scholars, I am even more inspired by his legacy – a group of young men and women determined to make the most of their education, their careers, and their roles as active, engaged citizens serving their communities and our nation.

Following a national competition that drew interest from hundreds of organizations, Strada is pleased to announce the investment of $8 million to support collaborative partnerships between educators, employers and community organizations working to prepare students of all ages for in-demand careers.

Celebrating student success is always a pleasure. But celebrating three decades of that success is a true honor. My Strada Education NetworkSM colleague Venice Sherman and I had the opportunity to do just that at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 30th Anniversary Awards Gala last week.

The Rev. Charles Williams spent his life advocating for equality, transforming Indiana Black Expo into a force for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. So I was especially honored to represent Strada Education NetworkSM as we received the Reverend Charles R. Williams Award from IBE last week.

Jackie Robinson is a sports legend, known best for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. But, as last month’s groundbreaking event for the Jackie Robinson Museum reminded us, his legacy lives on in ways that stretch far beyond baseball.

I often am struck by the many opportunities I have had in my career and my life, thanks to the college degree I received many years ago. And then I think about the challenges that today’s college students face — challenges that too often prevent them from enjoying the myriad opportunities my degree has afforded me.