Preparing Today's Workforce for Tomorrow's Economy
A panel of experts examined how to re-envision post-secondary education to adapt to an increasingly diverse population and meet future labor force demands.
About this event
The majority of jobs in the future are expected to require post-secondary educational attainment and credentials that recognize specialized training and skills. Yet today only 40 percent of the US labor force possess degrees beyond a high school diploma. After several years of strong job growth, many employers are struggling to find workers with the required skills while workers struggle to find meaningful employment. How should post-secondary education itself be re-envisioned to adapt to an increasingly diverse population and meet future labor force demands? Does the United States need to rethink immigration policy and business practices, and is there an appetite for such change?
About the Speakers
Rob Paral
Nonresident Fellow, Global Cities
Rob Paral is a demographic and public policy consultant who's a nonresident fellow at the Council. His specialties include immigrant, Latino and Asian populations, community needs for health and human service programs, and Midwestern demographic change. As principal of Rob Paral and Associates, Paral has assisted more than 100 different human service, advocacy, and philanthropic organizations.
Juan Salgado
Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago
Juan Salgado is chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago where he oversees Chicago's community college system, serving more than 80,000 students across seven colleges.
Douglas Belkin
Higher Education Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
Douglas Belkin is a national correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. He covers higher education and is based in Chicago.
Courtney Brown
Vice President of Strategic Impact, Lumina Foundation
Courtney Brown is the vice president of strategic impact at Lumina Foundation, the nation’s largest private foundation focused specifically on increasing Americans’ postsecondary success.
Context
Background reading and multimedia.
Event Partner
