River Bend CUSD joined its neighbors in Iowa to host the second annual Education-Employer Symposium. The symposium focused on how employers and school districts in the region could support each other through partnerships. In just its second year, the symposium brought together representatives from K-12, higher education, and employers in both Illinois and Iowa. Grow Clinton, the area chamber/economic development team hosted the event at Eagle Point Lodge in Clinton, Iowa. Over 120 employers, educators, and students spoke about the value of partnerships. A Process-Technology (P-Tech) one-year certification training was unveiled through a partnership with 3M, Lyondellbasell, and ADM. All three employers need process operators and will be working with Clinton Community College to get the certification program started this fall. James Porter, from the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce closed the evening talking about the registered apprenticeship programs that both Iowa and Illinois schools are participating in through Blackhawk Community College and Scott Community College.
