Pasco Economic Develment Council Advocates for Career Academies as Part of Workforce Development Strategy

May 16, 2011

John Hagen, President/CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), is the new chair of the Career and Technical Education Steering Committee - a group of local stakeholders that advocates for Pasco County Schools Career Academies program. 

 “Career Academies are a great asset and have the potential to contribute significantly to Pasco County’s economic development and sustainability,” says Hagen.  “They provide opportunities for our graduating students to learn essential workforce skills. For students pursuing higher education, they also offer more real world insight than a purely academic path.  We want to take Career Academies to the next level.”

Pasco EDC has a vested interest in helping the Career Academies flourish.  Graduating students gain the skills needed by the high wage industries Pasco EDC is working to recruit to Pasco County.  Workforce development is an integral part of PEDC’s strategic plan for job creation and economic growth.   “We will be much more successful attracting new businesses to Pasco County if we have a highly skilled labor force in place,” says Hagen.

Some of the committee plans to strengthen the Career Academies include:  recruiting business leaders to join academy advisory boards; creating enrichment opportunities such as job shadowing, mentoring, and internships; developing resources to supplement available school resources; and disseminating best practices.