OUR NEWS
What we've been up to...
HEALTHCARE ROUNDTABLE
Hosted a healthcare roundtable at Wingate University to address workforce alignment and training gaps in Anson and Union counties. The event brought together education and healthcare stakeholders to align educational pathways with labor market needs and gather insights for future action. Read more
CIVICLAB GRANT
Received a $37K national grant to enhance partnerships improving workforce alignment, addressing skills gaps, and establishing clear career pathways in rural areas. This grant is part of a $2.6M initiative funded by Ascendium Education Group and ECMC Foundation.
PLAN YOUR FUTURE
Partner with local organizations to provide information on higher education and career paths, including financial aid, college applications, apprenticeships, and certifications. Panel discussions with students and parents offered valuable insights and emphasized local educational opportunities.
CAPTAIN UNiSON CONTEST
Hosted a costume design contest at the Monroe Latin Festival, promoting the "Captain UNiSON: College Misconceptions" comic book. The contest, divided into three age groups, received over 100 entries, with winners receiving certificates and gift cards. This initiative reinforced the message that higher education is accessible to all.
What our workgroups have been doing...
Union County Libraries now have a Literacy Collection with books for Adult Learners and Tutors, thanks to the UNiSON Adult Literacy workgroup. This collection is available to students and faculty in Anson and Union counties.
The Labor Market Alignment Workgroup is conducting a comprehensive labor market needs assessment for Union and Anson counties, identifying career pathways that align K-12, higher education, and training with high-wage jobs. They will focus on top occupations in Healthcare, Business, Manufacturing, Construction, and Computer Science, validating their findings through local employer focus groups to ensure they meet workforce needs.
UNiSON established a strategic partnership with the City of Monroe and the Good Jobs Great Cities – MonroeWorks initiative. Through the Community Connections and Labor Market Alignment workgroups, UNiSON is connecting community members with the resources and opportunities provided by this partnership.
The Community Connections Workgroups highlight monthly community organizations and institutions that support residents considering or pursuing education. They have featured the Transportation Department from Anson and Union counties, Common Heart, and Anson Care Network, among others.
