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In 1983, Governor Jim Hunt established The Business Committee for Math/Science Education as part of a strategy to connect business and education leaders with the goal of engaging youth in work-based learning and to strengthen North Carolina's workforce. This unique, business-led education and workforce non-profit, now expanded and known as the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), is the first and only one of its kind in the nation.
NCBCE's 2023 Annual Meeting, held in early December, was a celebration of 40 years of statewide impact that included testimonials, interviews with and tributes to former NCBCE Executive Directors, a homage to the past four decades of music and pop culture, a student showcase, and a special visit from Governor Cooper. Students and employers from a number of NCBCE's initiatives, including Building Bright Futures, spoke to how NCBCE has connected them with opportunities to build a talent pool that is well-educated and workforce ready. With NC's recent designation as the "Top State in the Nation for Business" - for two years running - the programs NCBCE provides are more important than ever.
Early childhood education is the foundation of any strong and growing workforce. Shannon Vickery of PBS-NC, a new NCBCE member, interviewed Little People Preschool Director Shawnonne Pickett and her apprentice Shameeka Lawson, who spoke to the benefits of participating with Building Bright Futures and the impact apprenticeship has had on them both. Shawnonne Pickett stated, "[With Building Bright Futures,] I see hope and help. As we plan for 2024, Building Bright Futures' 50 percent wage match reimbursement allows for us to not have to continually increase tuition for our families, and to take care of our staff and their families."
Governor Cooper applauded NCBCE for its successes, longevity, and commitment to serving businesses and students across North Carolina. In his letter to NCBCE members, he states, "Today, NCBCE is helping lead innovative workforce strategies in some of our most important fields, including clean energy, early childhood education, and agriculture. I commend the current NCBCE team and members for their relentless push to expand work-based learning opportunities for students and educators."
Through NCBCE initiatives like Building Bright Futures, businesses are able to connect with students to provide them with invaluable on-the-job training, building the talent pipeline of workers and encouraging community engagement. For students, participating in these opportunities allows them to gain new skills, credentials, and degrees - while getting paid - and prepares them for career success. NCBCE has initiatives in a variety of industry sectors including clean energy, agriculture, and technology. It also has a program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that provides job coaching for participants and their employers.
Learn more about NCBCE's initiatives and read the NCBCE 2023 Impact Report - 40th Anniversary Edition.