LearningWork Connection


Carolyn Vesely, Projects Manager
Center for Learning Excellence

LearningWork Connection ceased operations on December 31, 2008. This is the archived website.

About Us

LearningWork Connection (LWC) turns the principles and insights of youth development and youth workforce development research into practical tools youth-serving professionals use to help young people become productive members of their communities. We stand for all young people being fully known and valued for who they are and being empowered to live lives of unlimited possibility. Our work is based on four principles:

  • It is within communities that young people’s lives are transformed;
  • Young people are resources for communities now, not problems;
  • Every community has unique needs and assets; and
  • Youth must have active and meaningful roles in their communities.

History

LearningWork Connection has provided youth-development services and support since 2002. We have a long partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services where we provide support for its Workforce Investment Act youth program.

LWC began as a continuation of the School-to-Work/Workforce Development Clearinghouse, created in 1996 as part of the State University Education Deans of Ohio (SUED) Systems Integration Coalition. The Clearinghouse had an established history of providing comprehensive, high-quality information to all stakeholders in the Ohio School-to-Work System, a record of excellence continued by LWC.

Organizational Experience

LearningWork Connection links people with the knowledge to build an effective youth system. Through technology and expert consultation, LWC delivers key information and practices to prepare all youth for success in school, career and community.

Our clients are state agencies and organizations, local youth councils and other local youth collaboratives who seek to create communities where young people are valued and are given opportunities to make positive, significant contributions.

We serve our clients through:

  • Delivering professional development for system building;
  • Sponsoring innovative projects that pilot new ways of engaging youth in their communities;
  • Translating research into tools and resources that give youth-serving organizations; the practical support they need; and
  • Convening gatherings of practitioners to share effective practices.