Published

November 13, 2019

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Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced the launch of an advanced track for its Business Leads Fellowship Program called the Elite Cohort. This invitation-only program will focus on how Fellows can elevate education and workforce initiatives, navigate change, and learn best practices in program management.

Thirty-five individuals were selected for the Elite Cohort. Selections were made based on an individual’s accomplishments implementing education and workforce initiatives in their communities and their level of engagement on U.S. Chamber Foundation initiatives.

Each individual has met the criteria for a Business Leads Fellow and has partnered with the U.S. Chamber Foundation for five or more years, is an established education and workforce leader at the state or local level, and has implemented multiple successful education and workforce development solutions in their communities.

Fellows, trained to develop and adapt education and workforce strategies for our dynamic economy, will meet for the first time in January 2020 in Miami, FL.

“We are looking forward to deepening our partnership with these incredible business leaders from across the country,” says Cheryl Oldham, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Education and Workforce. “As members of our network experienced in implementing programs throughout the talent pipeline, from early childhood education to workforce development, we look forward to further investing in them and their work so they may share best practices with each other, elevate existing work, and tackle new challenges.”

The Business Leads Fellowship Program, established in 2018, is an in-person training designed to build a coalition of business leadership on education and workforce issues in communities across the country. To date, 105 Fellows from 46 states have completed the program.

For a full list of participants in the Business Leads Elite Cohort inaugural class, visit the Fellowship Program page.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future. Our workforce development portfolio is transforming employer engagement in education partnerships, connecting workers with real pathways to the jobs that employers are trying to fill.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.