Academics

Hendrick Conference to explore career success for adult learners

The 2015 Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference will be May 12 at the HUB-Robeson Center. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —  An expert in workforce development will explore how educational institutions can help adult learners achieve success in their careers during the keynote of the upcoming 2015 Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference on May 12 at the University Park campus.

Scott J. Sheely will draw upon his experiences, which include 15 years as director of the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board, as a member of Gov. Tom Wolf’s transition team for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and as workforce professional exploring the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The conference is open to Penn State employees from all campuses, and registration is open through April 24. It will be held in the HUB-Robeson Center.

Sheely will use stories and examples to develop themes addressing how institutions can work locally through intermediaries including workforce investment boards to build demand-driven education and training that will allow graduates to qualify for and obtain jobs with family-sustaining pay. He also will touch on using his “skill acquisition mapping” process to inventory the resources that are available, discourage duplication in training and encourage training providers to fill gaps.

Sheely’s address will round out the one-day conference, which will also offer sessions on access and affordability for adult learners; information and initiatives for current military and veteran students; general education and its impact on the adult learner population; and what it takes to meet and exceed the learning expectations of Millennials, among other topics.

Penn State’s Commission for Adult Learners sponsors the annual conference, which is named in honor of the late Shirley Hendrick, associate dean for continuing education in the Penn State Smeal College of Business and the inaugural chair of the commission. The group comprises administrators, faculty and staff from across Penn State who are dedicated to reviewing policies and practices that will improve the adult learner experience at the University.

For the full program agenda or to register for the Hendrick Conference, visit hendrick.psu.edu.

To join the email list or volunteer to assist with the conference, contact Judy Wills at jcw25@psu.edu or 814-863-1316.

Last Updated March 13, 2015

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