H. Kent Weldon Conference for Higher Education

Postsecondary education provides lifelong benefits to graduates. Key among them are the tools, knowledge and experience to pursue a fulfilling career. We have seen many examples of a blurring line between college and career. More and more, employers are engaging with educators so that students graduate with both classroom knowledge and hands-on career experience. Recent research from the Gallup-Purdue Index identifies career experience before graduation as one of the two most important factors for lifelong success. As such, the Commission issues a bold challenge to employers and educators alike: All students graduating from Indiana colleges and universities should participate in meaningful career experience as an integrated part of the academic program.

The 2015 Weldon Conference on Higher Education will focus on the integration of career experience into postsecondary degree programs. This conference is unique in that it will serve as a how-to guide for connecting college and careers, but attendees will have the opportunity to do more than learn. The conference is designed to connect educators and employers in attendance with potential partners in their region and economic sector.

Following an introduction by Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, conference attendees will hear a keynote address from Carol D’Amico, Executive Vice President, National Engagement and Philanthropy with USA Funds, about how career experience in college enhances direction and purpose after graduation. Following that, attendees will be assigned by sector to one of two parallel sessions to hear firsthand from college presidents and employers who have successfully implemented these partnerships.

After hearing about the importance of connecting college to careers and getting practical advice from those who have done so, attendees will participate in a networking lunch during which they will be matched with others from their sector and region. The lunch will provide opportunity and direction to help employers and educators in the room make professional connections necessary to carry out this goal.

On behalf of our Commission members and staff, I hope you are able to join us for this unique opportunity on April 14th. To confirm your participation, please register by Monday, April 6, at: http://weldon2015.eventbrite.com.