Report: "Navigating the New Realities of the North Shore"Education
Minds – Talent is the key driver of economic activity in the knowledge economy and Northeast Ohio’s economic fortunes will rise and fall with its ability to educate its own, retain its own, and attract bright minds from elsewhere.
- Explore and experiment with a variety of educational models, across the spectrum (from 6-12 to after school tech academies to home schooling to technical [including design schools], general 4 year, technical 4 year, and advanced degrees).
- Accept that there will be some brain drain, especially from our better schools, and recognize this as a positive sign, not a negative one; those students we lose to other regions typically go to regions that are known for their exceptional institutions of higher education. In other words, the better our schools, the more local students we will “lose” and the more new talent we will attract.
- Support regional brain gain initiatives, including College 360 and Summer on the Cuyahoga.
- Encourage expanded internship programs among supporting companies and organizations involved in technology-driven economic development.
- Secure additional public and private sector investment in higher education – targeting opportunities to foster connections between universities, researchers and companies. For example, privately sponsored lab space used by students and companies.
- Focus on improving and promoting all institutions of higher learning in the region.
- Expansion of FIRST and similar programs that promote science and technology education in elementary and secondary schools.
- Develop programs to train “green collar” workforce that specializes in retrofitting existing facilities to be more energy efficient and makes products that encourage use of alternative fuels.
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