Smith represents county on TAP's Lifelong Learning Taskforce
Comet staff report
With changes in workforce demographics anticipated as a result of the baby boomer generation, a Lifelong Learning Taskforce, under the umbrella of Tecumseh Area Partnership, Inc., has been conducting research to examine gaps and barriers to lifelong learning for adults. The 27-member taskforce includes educators, employers, social service and government agency representatives from the state and 14-county WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) region.

Smith

Daryl Smith, Carroll County Economic Development Corporation executive director, has been appointed to the group to represent Carroll County. The taskforce is a part of the regional change effort initiated through the WIRED grant received by the North Central Indiana Transformation Network. Grant funding is from the Department of Labor and administered by Purdue University.

The geographical area being researched includes Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Wabash, White, and Warren counties.

The initial phase of research focused on organizations providing education and training to adults in the region. The second research phase currently in progress, gathers information related to existing gaps and barriers in lifelong learning from the employers' and employees' perspective. When combined, results of both studies will provide a comprehensive picture of issues contributing to education and training disincentives for adults in the area. The completed study will provide foundational information to improve and enhance education and training opportunities for the region's workforce.

Additional information about Taskforce activities may be obtained from Tecumseh Area Partnership staff and Taskforce facilitators Kathy Burns and Susie Perkins at Tecumseh Area Partnership, Inc 765-477-1710.