Friday March 5: Governor Ted Kulongoski announced his plan to create a Lifelong Learning system in Oregon in his recent "State of the State" address. (see also http://www.governor.oregon.gov/Gov/speech_030504.shtml

The goal of the Governorıs Lifelong Learning plan is to create a system of lifelong learning that demands excellence, provides high standards, and offers citizens many options ­ including professional and technical training in high school, workforce development and a revitalized network of community colleges and universities.

"We need to connect the dots," said the Governor."In the past, we have looked at pre-K, K through 12, community colleges, four-year institutions and workforce training as separate elements of Oregonıs educational system. But theyıre not separate - theyıre all part of building an economy that can produce high wage jobs and a workforce capable of performing those jobs. Theyıre all part of investing in Oregonians."

One of the important goals of the governorıs Lifelong Learning plan is to make higher education more affordable and accessible for Oregonıs high school graduates. The governor is working with higher education leaders to help students transfer smoothly from community colleges to universities by connecting curriculum, coordinating degree requirements and offering simultaneous enrollment.

The governorıs plan also includes developing programs to help high school students make successful transitions to employment or higher education. This includes increasing professional technical training opportunities for high school students and providing assistance with the application process for community colleges and universities.

The Lifelong Learning plan also includes retraining programs for workers who want to improve their skills or change careers.

"In order to recruit new businesses and help existing Oregon companies grow, we need an adequate supply of job-ready workers with transferable skills that match businessesı needs," said the Governor."Responsive and flexible workforce training will help Oregon workers keep up with rapidly changing technology. Ultimately, a highly skilled workforce is the fuel that feeds the engines of economic health and growth."