ALBANY, N.Y.—The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber will host a session on Friday June 27 with The Public Policy Institute of New York State and the Committee for Economic Development that will provide employers with information on business engagement in education.
The session, will feature Mark Eagan, president and CEO, Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber, Heather C. Briccetti, Esq. president and CEO, The Business Council of New York State and Allison Armour-Garb, education consultant, The Public Policy Institute of New York State, discussing the importance of public-private partnerships between businesses and schools. Additionally, the session will cover how New York's new, more rigorous education standards will help ensure that students leave high school prepared for college and the workforce.
“It's critical that we focus on quality pre-k through high school and college and career readiness, as the states and communities with the most talented workforce will have the competitive edge in our global economy,” said Mark Eagan, president and CEO of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber.
 “Businesses across the state rely on the education system to prepare students for careers in the 21st century economy. Unfortunately, as evident by the growing skills gap, there is a disconnect between what students are learning in school and what they need to know to succeed in the work world. ” said Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., president of The Business Council and The Public Policy Institute. “Innovative partnerships like the New York State Pathways in Technology Early High School (NYS P-TECH) program and preservation of the Common Core standards are crucial in helping students develop skills with real-world applicability.”
“The United States is falling behind in education, with severe economic repercussions for individuals, businesses, and the nation,” said Michael Petro, executive vice president of the Committee for Economic Development. “When states like New York commit to adopting high-quality education standards, they give students a stronger foundation to build the type of successful lives we want for them.”
Participants will have the opportunity to hear about the skills gap, on the state and local level; learn about the creation of, and history behind, the Common Core standards; and hear about a variety of ways in which the private sector can support college and career readiness.
The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber aims to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity for our members and the Capital Region by providing leadership, advocacy and services. The Chamber is made up of 2,400 businesses and organizations of all types and sizes and from throughout the region that know they will prosper and grow in a vibrant business environment.
The Public Policy Institute (PPI) is the 501 (c) 3 research arm of The Business Council of New York State. PPI's goal is to formulate and promote public policies that restore New York's economic competitiveness.
The Committee for Economic Development is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, business-led, public policy organization that delivers well-researched analysis and reasoned solutions to our nation's most critical issues.
Please visit the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber for more information.