The National League of Cities selected Columbus,  Georgia  as one of 12 cities that will meet in Washington, D.C. Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, to explore and build equitable pathways to postsecondary education and workforce success. Each city participating in NLC’s Leadership Academy: Promoting Postsecondary and Workforce Success has made a commitment to address inequities in accessing and succeeding in higher education as well as gaining meaningful employment.

“We are very excited to have been chosen to participate in this academy. It complements the work we are already doing with our Columbus 2025 initiative, which will formally launch in late January 2017,” said Brian Anderson, President & CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Adding, “We are fortunate to have the cooperation of our City, our local schools, Columbus Tech and CSU. Representatives from the Chamber, the Development Authority and Columbus Tech will participate in the day and half event in Washington DC with additional support from the NLC into 2017.”

The Columbus 2025 initiative is focused on five key strategies to guide the region’s public and private efforts to reduce poverty, increase prosperity, and improve the overall quality of life for a stronger, more vibrant region by 2025. One of those key strategies focuses on aligning the region’s workforce and education systems and this National League of Cities initiative will be an integral part of the Columbus 2025 strategy.

Mayors and other city leaders know their efforts to build strong and vibrant local economies depend on their ability to develop and retain a well-educated workforce with 21^st Century skills.  To reach this goal, cities need both clear pathways to college and postsecondary programs that are responsive to regional workforce needs. Since the great recession over 95 percent of the jobs created have gone to individuals with education beyond a high school diploma, according to the Georgetown Center on Education and Workforce. Cities are in prime positions to leverage cross-sector partnerships and increase postsecondary attainment and workforce success.

NLC, through its Institute for Youth, Education, and Families and with support from The Kresge Foundation, will bring together city leaders from the government, education and business sectors and national experts that will help Greater Columbus develop strategies and expand the city’s efforts in ensuring all residents can earn a postsecondary certificate or degree as well as gain meaningful employment.

Through this meeting, Greater Columbus will have the opportunity to join a cohort of cities that will work together through 2017 to implement innovative and sustainable education and workforce strategies that address major equity issues in cities.