Introduction

The FutureMakers Coalition aims to transform Southwest Florida’s workforce by increasing the proportion of working age adults with college degrees, workforce certificates, industry certifications and other high-quality credentials to 55 percent. FutureMakers work along the cradle-to-career pathway to create a skilled and sustainable talent pipeline. The pathway begins with early childhood learning and ends with post-high school credential attainment and career connections. The coalition focuses on systems change to connect untapped workforce with the education and training to fill in-demand jobs by removing attainment barriers and creating a culture of career exploration and aspiration from an early age. The coalition has grown to over 300 FutureMakers representing business, education, government, nonprofits, philanthropy, residents, and students across Glades, Hendry, Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. The coalition understands that employers must draw from the region’s talent pool. Working regionally enhances the coalition’s ability to attract state and national funding and expertise. It also helps us share and coordinate best practices to maximize the knowledge and resources we already have. This report is one of a series created by the FutureMakers Coalition with a view towards identifying opportunities and fostering outcomes to achieve the goal of 55 percent skilled working age adults in support of a diversified and resilient economy and improved quality of life for Southwest Florida. For the purpose of this report, a skilled working age adult has a college degree, workforce certificate, industry certification, or other high-quality credential beyond high school. The report consolidates a summary of demographic information and educational outcomes, as well as the Workforce Now analyses, for the Southwest Florida region. Southwest Florida has been designated a Talent Hub by the Lumina Foundation in partnership with The Kresge Foundation and received a $125,000 award to support local efforts to increase educational attainment. Southwest Florida joins Cleveland, Northeast Indiana and Tampa Bay, along with 22 other Talent Hubs selected in 2017 and 2018. These communities meet rigorous standards for creating environments that cultivate, attract, and retain talent, particularly among today’s students, many of whom are adults, Black, Hispanic, or Native American, students from low-income households, or the first in their families to go to college. For Southwest Florida, this includes a stop-out initiative targeting students previously enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) and personalized advising for current completion options through degree programs designed to provide flexibility and interdisciplinary study. With the one-time award, the Coalition will work with FGCU and FSW to propel the region’s attainment numbers.

The FutureMakers Coalition believes every idea and inspiration increases our success, and we welcome anyone to become a FutureMakers. Visit www.FutureMakersCoalition.com to learn more and sign the wall to get involved!