Family Walking in Open Field
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I realize that it can be difficult for companies based in big cities to understand the realities of everyday life in small-town America. But the stark truth is that compared with their suburban and urban counterparts, the 1.1 million rural families with young children face a multitude of challenges that impact their childcare outlook.
Mother working on laptop with child in lap
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Right now, maybe more than any other time in modern history, working parents are devoting significant amounts of time, energy, and resources into balancing their roles at home and in the workplace.  Parents must consider various factors in determining the level and type of childcare solutions that best meet their needs.
Bye Bye 2022
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Looking back on 2022 fills me with pride and a sense of awe at all the team has accomplished in 12 short months. The Center for Education and Workforce at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation continues to conceive of and lead long-term systems change in education and workforce—the underpinnings of American competitiveness and prosperity.
Two students sitting at a table facing a laptop
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At a time when we need to address STEM labor shortages, we cannot afford to leave segments of our population behind. The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports a strategy to address these issues through the newly funded Community College Presidents’ Initiative in STEM Education. Community colleges, serving the most diverse student body in higher education, are fertile ground for effective diversification of the STEM workforce. 51% of community college students taking college credit classes are students of color.
Kerry Dixon, Asst. Principal, Center High School KC, tries out an electric nail gun at JE Dunn Construction to learn about skilled trades positions
© Missouri Chamber of Commerce

Coming from his background in higher education policy, Brian Crouse, vice president of education programs at the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, is keenly aware of how critical it is to bridge the gap between what the education sector provides for students and what the business community needs from potential workers coming out of their pipeline. The Business Leads Fellowship offered him a new process and tools to communicate more effectively with these stakeholders.

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