Business & Tech
West AlabamaWorks Nets $3K Grant For Educator Workforce Academy
West AlabamaWorks on Tuesday announced it has received a $3,000 grant from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation to support its EWA.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — West AlabamaWorks on Tuesday announced it has received a $3,000 grant from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation to support its Educator Workforce Academy (EWA).
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The EWA aims to address the future needs of the workforce and help bridge the partnership between education and workforce development.
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Since launching in 2017, 308 educators have completed the program, including 63 this past OctoberWest AlabamaWorks says K-12 educators participate in a yearlong academy starting in October at its annual Worlds of Work event, where educators meet with industry leaders and tour facilities like Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, McAbee Construction, Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa and others.
“EWA helps educators see the great career opportunities available in West Alabama,” Education and Employment Project Manager Tonya Mills said. “Students depend on educators to share opportunities with them and once educators know what is available in our area they can connect students with those opportunities”
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After finishing the EWA, educators develop an action plan to present to their superintendent and board of education, with the action plan serving as a guide for how educators will utilize the information gained from the academy to strengthen their school’s program.
“The Educator Workforce Academy was designed to bridge the communication gap between industry and education,” Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama CWO and West AlabamaWorks Executive Director Donny Jones said. “This program is helping our educators better prepare students in our region for a successful future after graduation."
West AlabamaWorks says the 2023-2024 cohort consists of 44 educators from the West Alabama region.
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