LAS VEGAS – The Nevada Department of Education and Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) are set to host the Governor’s Education to Workforce Summit Thursday, June 28, an event that aims to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipeline for the New Nevada economy.

The inaugural summit marks the first meeting between the Nevada business community, educators, administrators and state department leaders, and will educate attendees on how to incorporate work-based learning and career pathway initiatives into their organizations. The summit is part of Nevada’s LifeWorks initiative, funded by JP Morgan Chase’s New Skills for Youth Grant and also sponsored by the National Governors Association Policy Academy on Work-Based Learning.

“Our LifeWorks initiative aims to provide students from K thru 12 with access to high-quality education and career pathways by providing them with early opportunities to learn real-world skills, explore career options and increase access to earning industry-recognized credentials and college credit,” said Governor Brian Sandoval. “This program is made possible by a collaborative effort between parents, students, educators, the business community and various state departments. I commend all who have worked to ensure the success of this inaugural summit.”

By bringing together the Nevada business community, a variety of K-16 educators and policymakers, the summit will create meaningful dialogue and build sustaining partnerships in an effort to support the New Nevada economy. As the economy of Nevada changes, so does the workforce needs. It is estimated that by 2020, 64 percent of new jobs will require more than a high school diploma, yet only half of these jobs will require a four-year college degree.

Planned summit events include multiple workshop sessions and remarks from Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison and keynote speaker Mary Beth Sewald, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce.

“The success in supporting the changing Nevada economy is dependent on the strength of our community partnerships,” said Manny Lamare, Director of OWINN. “Having a contingency of engaged community members at the summit will give us the opportunity to brainstorm new ideas and improve existing ones.”

The summit follows early success for the LifeWorks initiative. In partnership with Nevada Legislators, the Nevada Department of Education has revised the current Standard High School Diploma, expanded Career & Technical education programs and created a new Career & College Ready High School Diploma (AB 7). As a result, in 2019, it is estimated more than 7,000 high school students will receive the brand new College & Career Ready Diploma.

"We will continue to work toward empowering our business leaders and educators in support of our children and economic future,” said Steve Canavero, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This summit gives us a great opportunity to do so.”

The Education to Workforce Summit will take place from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas.

Partners involved in the summit include the Office of Governor Brian Sandoval, Nevada Department of Education (NDE), Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN), Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT), Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and Workforce Connections.