Gov. McKee hosts higher education roundtable discussion

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee hosted a roundtable discussion on higher education Thursday afternoon.

In his State of the State address back in January, McKee announced a new proposal to create a Higher Ed Academy. The hands-on initiative helps “Rhode Islanders pursue postsecondary education and training that leads to good-paying jobs and puts the state on a path to long-term economic recovery.”

McKee partnered with Postsecondary Commissioner Dr. Shannon Gilkey on this state-wide initiative. Thursday, the governor discussed the program with members of his administration, the business community, and former students.

“In our RI 2030 plan, we pledged to build a dynamic and integrated workforce development and postsecondary education system that drives job creation, economic growth, and innovation over the long term. The Higher Ed Academy is the type of innovative and forward-thinking program we need to help us meet our goal,” said McKee.

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos said the program will provide “wraparound services and supports to help equip Rhode Islanders with the knowledge and experiences necessary to be successful in today’s job market.”

The program supports Rhode Islanders who have not yet entered the higher education system, or were not able to complete their postsecondary education, because of the pandemic.

“This includes, but is not limited to, recent high school graduates who delayed enrolling in colleges, adults who lost their jobs during the pandemic, or who realized during the pandemic disruption to the workforce that their part-time job(s) do not provide enough wages to support living in Rhode Island,” the governor’s office said.