Deeper Learning: Maine Senator Susan Collins and Dr. Steve Pound

Dr. Steve Pound and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) met to discuss how deeper learning and the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act can better prepare America’s future workforce.

ReadyNation Maine member, Dr. Steve Pound, retired Associate Director of the Cianbro Corp. Training Institute, met with U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions Committee, on June 16, 2016 to discuss the need for deeper learning to be included in the reauthorization of the Perkins Career & Technical Education Act.

In addition to being a businessman, Dr. Pound also speaks from his experience as Chair of the Maine State Board of Education, superintendent, principal, teacher, and basketball coach. He emphasized the need for students to graduate with deeper learning skills, such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Graduates who have these deeper learning skills will help create a stronger workforce.

37% of young adults have a college education but 65% of jobs require a degree. More Career and Technical Education would help bridge that skills gap.

Maine is facing a skills gap of qualified workers: roughly 37 percent of young adults have a college education, but nearly 65 percent of jobs require a degree. The reauthorization of the Perkins Career & Technical Education Act could help more students get the education and training they need to be successful in any career path.