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.

Amber Rangel Mooney, who participated in the Elite Cohort of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program (Business Leads), currently works as vice president and director of workforce development at Empire State Development and knows the importance of expanding career growth opportunities first-hand.

John Jenks, director of public policy at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, shares how the program helped deepen his advocacy efforts in fostering a strong workforce development, particularly for justice-invovled individuals.