The American Education Economic Commission actively partners with state-level government authorities – including state economic development departments – to tightly align education and workforce development with each state’s economic growth strategy. By working hand-in-hand with state agencies, AEEC ensures that training programs are directly responsive to industry needs and that economic initiatives are supported by a pipeline of skilled, motivated, and locally invested workers. This collaborative approach helps build a future-ready workforce that fuels sustainable economic growth and attracts new business opportunities.
A major reason for partnering with state economic development departments is to build a reliable pipeline of skilled local talent that can support new investments and business growth initiatives. State economic developers recognize that workforce quality is critical to attracting, expanding, and retaining businesses – in fact, 95% of executives rate the availability of skilled labor as important in deciding where to invest. Through AEEC’s collaboration with the state, companies looking to expand or relocate can be assured there’s a ready supply of highly trained, motivated workers in the community. This reduces the need to import talent from elsewhere and fosters a homegrown workforce that is deeply invested in the local economy. In turn, communities with a skilled workforce become magnets for businesses and investment, leading to further economic growth and prosperity. In short, the partnership guarantees that when the state pours resources into new projects or industries, those efforts are backed by people with the right expertise to make them successful.
Central to AEEC’s approach is its Industry Workforce Solution Program, which serves as a bridge between educational institutions and industry leaders in the state. Through this program, schools and colleges work directly with industry partners to co-design curricula, apprenticeships, and training programs that meet real-world business needs. This hands-on collaboration effectively bridges the gap between classroom and career, ensuring students and job seekers can seamlessly transition into high-demand jobs in the state’s target industries. By integrating industry feedback and state economic priorities into education, AEEC makes sure workforce development is not happening in isolation but is tightly woven into the state’s economic development plans. The result is a well-coordinated workforce initiative that fulfills the talent needs of local industries and boosts the state’s appeal to new employers, as businesses see a strong education-industry partnership supporting their long-term success. In essence, the Industry Workforce Solution Program guarantees that educational institutions and industry collaborate in a way that directly advances the state’s economic strategy and makes the region more attractive for business investment.
By partnering with AEEC and leveraging its industry-driven workforce solutions, states enjoy several key benefits that strengthen their economies for the long run:
In summary, AEEC’s collaboration with state economic development authorities ensures that every dollar invested in economic growth is matched by investment in people. By cultivating a skilled, motivated, and locally anchored workforce aligned with state goals, these partnerships create a virtuous cycle: a prepared workforce attracts businesses, and growing businesses provide opportunities for that workforce. It’s a strategy that benefits everyone – empowering workers, enabling businesses to thrive, and securing long-term economic success for the state.
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Restoring American pride through a skilled, motivated, and world-class workforce.