Empower Illinois and America Succeeds host leaders in business, education and policy to discuss modernizing education
Chicago, IL – On August 9, 2018, business leaders, policymakers and education reform advocates from around the country will come together to explore how technology innovations are impacting workforce needs across the country. Presented by Empower Illinois, America Succeeds and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this event will highlight the need for education systems to keep pace with the training and skill development required for the American workforce of tomorrow.
Advancements in technology, automation and artificial intelligence have caused shifts in the workforce, which consequently require a drastic change in how we prepare and educate future leaders. Children attend school to learn, grow and prepare for the real world, but the way the world operates continues to change at a rapid pace. It’s critical that these technological advancements are matched by changes in education to ensure students are prepared for the evolving careers that lie ahead.
The summit will confront these challenges with specific insights from some of America’s largest corporations including McDonald’s, Walmart and ExxonMobil.
Empower Illinois works to expand quality education options for low-income and working-class families of Illinois. The organization has championed a number of policy initiatives including tax credit scholarships for private K-12 tuition, teacher tax credits, gifted and unique learning initiatives and course equity programs.
“Demand for education innovation is strong from both parents and today’s corporate leaders,” said Myles Mendoza, President of Empower Illinois. “Our goal is to help each child receive an education that fits their specific needs, and a large part of that is teaching them in a way that prepares them for the workforce of the future.”
Together with America Succeeds, Empower Illinois is proud to support the Age of Agility Summit to call attention to the need for education reform among what is being called the second Industrial Revolution
“Technology is so much different and more advanced than it used to be, and that needs to be reflected in the classroom,” said Tim Taylor, President and Co-Founder of America Succeeds. “It’s critical that we recognize the changes that need to be made in education. It’s thanks to organizations on the ground level, like Empower Illinois, that changes are made and opportunities are created for kids of all backgrounds and learning levels.”
Children only get one chance at a quality education. Empower Illinois and their partners are committed to providing children with the education they need and deserve to succeed in the future.
For more information on the Age of Agility Summit, please visit https://ageofagility.org/event/summit-illinois.
About Empower Illinois:
Empower Illinois is a statewide Scholarship Granting Organization created in 2017 to serve Illinois children through the state’s tax credit scholarship program. Empower Illinois’ mission is to expand quality education options for low-income and working-class families of Illinois.
The Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program was created in Illinois to benefit children whose educational options are limited by household income. Empower Illinois serves as a conduit for processing donations, scholarship awards and program compliance for approximately 80% of all Illinois private schools.
About America Succeeds:
America Succeeds is a national network of non-partisan, business-led, policy and advocacy organizations that offer an informed and credible business voice for education in each state. America Succeeds works to ensure our nation’s public education system prepares every student to succeed in a competitive global economy. Learn more by visiting www.AmericaSucceeds.org.