Cheryl Oldham, senior vice president at the Center for Education and Workforce (CEW), recently testified with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Artificial Intelligence Commission on Competitiveness, Inclusion, and Innovation (AI Commission) on specific efforts that the U.S. Chamber Foundation has initiated as the country prepares students for the workforce and provides opportunities for others to reskill, with a particular focus on healthcare.

Thomas Paden, President of the Canton Chamber of Commerce, is focused on developing career pathways for high school students in the community through Future Fit, a four-step program that offers opportunities in business, healthcare, hospitality, or trade.

Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Education Trust released the report "Equity in Childcare is Everyone's Business," which examines the importance of addressing the negative impacts of sexism and racism on the childcare industry and proposes ways in which state and local chambers, in partnership with child care providers, can address those issues while supporting children and families.

The horse industry in Kentucky reigns supreme. With more than 1,100 horse farms, the equine industry contributes an estimated 60,000 jobs and $6.5 billion of direct and indirect economic impact. However, the industry has experienced major labor shortages that stagnate growth. Laurie Mays, the equine and agriculture talent pipeline project manager at the Kentucky Chamber Foundation Workforce Center, saw an opportunity to develop a more comprehensive Workforce Readiness and Reentry Program for formerly incarcerated individuals.