Title:
Youth - The Real Future of the South: Georgia Discussion Forums
Youth - The Real Future of the South: Georgia Discussion Forums
Author(s)
Chernock, Jason
Wilkins, Joy
Holt, Karen
Wilkins, Joy
Holt, Karen
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Abstract
Through the Southern Growth Policies Board, Governors and other key leaders of
thirteen states and Puerto Rico jointly investigate economic development issues of high priority across the South. Each year, an issue is selected for in-depth research that results in policy and action recommendations for implementation at local, state, and regional levels. A critical part of the process is the facilitation of community-based forums. In 2008, the key policy question was “What are the biggest challenges facing our community, and how can young people help address these challenges?”
Building upon the 2006 and 2007 efforts, and to further support Southern Growth and
the State of Georgia, in 2008, a series of discussions focused specifically on youth
development and engagement were launched in Georgia. The focus was identified by
Southern Growth in recognition of the immense value and potential of youth
development as a critical building block toward developing a strong workforce and
fostering knowledge-driven innovation that fosters new technologies and business
opportunities. This effort was conducted under the sponsorship and leadership of the
Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, the State Workforce Investment Board,
and the Georgia Department of Labor. The work of this broad-based and collaborative
partnership included conducting a survey and hosting several discussion forums with
Georgia’s youth to gather input on Southern Growth’s policy question. The survey and
forums were developed and implemented by a university team comprised of professionals from Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.
The 2008 survey and forums generated data speaking to the preparation and
perspective of the next generation workforce, as well as input about their level of engagement within their communities. Nearly 1,800 young people from across Georgia completed the on-line survey. Of these, 152 attended in-person forums that gathered their reaction to the survey questions.
The implementation of the 2008 Southern Growth Policies Board’s Youth—The Real
Future of the South initiative in Georgia was a collaborative effort involving many
statewide partners, institutions of higher education, local government and educational
institutions, and, most importantly, the hundreds of young people who took the time
to express their opinions about the state of youth in Georgia today.
Sponsor
Georgia Governor's Office of Workforce Development
Georgia State Workforce Investment Board
Georgia Department of Labor
Date Issued
2008-06
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Paper