Digital Skills Gaps and Youth Workforce Readiness If you are having trouble viewing this mailing, please click here<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjkx%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871358594%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=jyWEJwoOeC8UtaTFmXI7Siuo%2BxQC70tgXTCRMSffVDU%3D&reserved=0> for our online version. [Stylized representation of a large and diverse group of workers]<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjky%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871368548%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=4I%2B8MOFaZwir%2BTGw0RUJnuBXJkCdH8Fo%2FjnDZ9Sq1TY%3D&reserved=0> Free PLA Webinars Public Libraries: Partners in Workforce Development 1. Bridging Workers' Digital Skills Gaps through Libraries<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjkz%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871368548%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=jVNCjV8S48A8UXy101zbqphiuEKYOi4kaSJTd3%2FvkGQ%3D&reserved=0> | Oct. 21, 2021 | 12:00 PM CT 2. Boosting Youth Workforce Readiness<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjk0%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871378508%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=WyYuh2Q24ywImi57UDn1mLqro3FYuLXz0%2Bn8eOKFTX4%3D&reserved=0> | Oct. 28, 2021 | 12:00 PM CT Bridging Workers' Digital Skills Gaps through Libraries Thursday, October 21, 2021 | 12:00 PM Central Nearly one in three US workers lack foundational digital skills. Digital divides have persisted for decades, but COVID threw it into stark, unavoidable relief. By some accounts, the pandemic accelerated ten years of planned technological change in workplaces in less than a year. New research from PLA<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjk1%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871388467%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=7h1Ey2bNgJHo%2FjCsnHbHnznpBDifoBPTVPNuJnWfLoc%3D&reserved=0> finds that 88% of public libraries provide formal or informal digital literacy training, including computer software, social media, and coding, but capacity varies widely. While not all technology training will be tied to employment, this free webinar will focus on research and resources related to developing, assessing, and documenting digital skills building for workforce and career development. During this webinar-the fourth in the Public Libraries: Partners in Workforce Development series-participants will hear from national, state, and local leaders developing strategies and implementing programs to begin closing the digital skills divide, specifically focused on employability outcomes and workforce development. REGISTER NOW!<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjkz%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871388467%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=2xlm5VLH0b%2FNXk8edVuGsDpiRyxnPrH9W%2FhpFMCMSNo%3D&reserved=0> Learning Outcomes At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to: * Identify and share resources for improving patron digital skills no matter their starting point; * Help patrons assess and validate digital literacy outcomes to employers; * Identify resources and community collaborators to expand reach to diverse communities; and * Improve alignment of library digital literacy programs and services to workforce needs. Instructors * Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System * Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, Senior Fellow, National Skills Coalition * Scott Kuchinsky, Director of Literacy Services, Plainfield (NJ) Public Library * Jen Nelson, State Librarian, New Jersey State Library * Ka'ala Souza, Employment Specialist, Hawaii Workforce Development Council [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] REGISTER <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjkz%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871398417%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=DUMh0d9BSnCuz1Eyv1973Bllx3x6IZK%2F%2F3i7OKYfTVU%3D&reserved=0> [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] Boosting Youth Workforce Readiness Thursday, October 28, 2021 | 12:00 PM Central What are the unique needs and opportunities for youth in the current workforce landscape and how can libraries help? The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the workforce readiness track and educational path for today's young adults. In the past, many young people have pursued part-time employment and the development of skills and interests in anticipation of college or career readiness. In the aftermath of COVID-19, many now face the necessity of working to help with household expenses, watching younger siblings while parents work, and a lack of Internet access, resulting in them falling behind in their workforce readiness. This webinar-the fifth in the Public Libraries: Partners in Workforce Development series-will look at programs happening in both formal and informal learning environments that are helping youth develop essential skills and experiences to be successful in pursuit of their interests and skills, including work-based learning opportunities, apprenticeships, and more. REGISTER NOW!<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fala-events.zoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2F5316334710171%2FWN_GQ7DY07BQmalsOfGVFNbBA&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871398417%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=so9gKymuqIaxgWO7yI36ZptZUW11M0eXk60bDenXUFE%3D&reserved=0> Learning Outcomes At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to: * Identify current trends happening post-COVID regarding youth and the workforce; * Identify available resources and partnerships at the national and local level to support youth skills and development in workforce; and * Apply best practices and recommendations from libraries that are currently supporting youth in their workforce/entrepreneurial skill development and goals in their communities. Instructors * Kate Aubin (she/hers), Head of Youth Services, Providence (RI) Public Library * Janelle Duray, Executive Vice President, Jobs for America's Graduates * Marquita Friday, Director of Career Programs, Division of Career and College Readiness, Maryland State Department of Education * Jennifer Griffin, Career Programs and Apprenticeship Specialist, Division of Career and College Readiness, Maryland State Department of Education [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] REGISTER <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDI3NjMxNiZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDE3NjgyJmxpPTkwMzYzNjk0%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7C0e3951ccad6743819a1008d993fced6d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637703537871408374%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=2i%2Bngvxjd%2BYx5MqL6OwclwuBi8bYlhVtsT%2F6Aj26ic8%3D&reserved=0> [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] [https://www.informz.net/admin31/images/spacer.gif] The Public Libraries: Partners in Workforce Development series is co-developed by PLA and Libswork, a national networking group on workforce and small business development. Additional webinars in this series to be announced. These are PLA webinars and not provided by the Library of Michigan. For details about registration, recordings and content, please see the details and links provided here by the Public Library Association. Shannon White Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909 Whites29@michigan.gov<mailto:Whites29@michigan.gov> 517-335-1507 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan>