CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS
WHAT IT IS
State and regional collaboration across sectors is critical to building effective pathways that incorporate all key components and propel students to success. Cross-sector partnerships must include, at a minimum, secondary and postsecondary education, employers, and workforce development. They may also include local government, economic development, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and community-based organizations.
Regional partners from all sectors should be engaged in the design and implementation of local pathways to ensure that they successfully bridge K-12, postsecondary education and training, and the labor market.
WHY IT MATTERS
To effectively meet the needs and goals of stakeholders representing multiple sectors, leaders from those sectors must actively contribute their expertise and perspectives to the pathways design and implementation process.
Partnerships that center labor market information and industry trends are critical to the development of pathways that meet employers’ talent needs and therefore supports students in launching careers and achieving economic mobility.
The engagement of cross-sector partners ensures that pathways leverage—rather than duplicate—existing efforts and partnerships, such as collective impact initiatives and education business partnerships lead by chambers of commerce and workforce boards.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
A cross-sector pathways leadership team meets regularly to plan and discuss the design and implementation of pathways.
Cross-sector partners strategically align and leverage existing programs and initiatives.
Partners develop formal agreements, including memoranda of understanding, and processes that bridge institutions and systems, such as data sharing.
STAKEHOLDER ROLES
Regional conveners connect and convene regional teams of cross-sector stakeholders, who, with leadership from the regional convener, develop a shared vision and goals for pathways, evaluate pathway outcomes, and plan for continuous improvement and sustainability.
All other partners, including secondary and postsecondary educators, workforce development, and business and industry leaders, actively contribute time, resources, and expertise the pathways design process and to the implementation of all key components of pathways.
