Northwest Florida State College and President Dr. Devin Stephenson hosted the Higher Education Innovation, LLC 2023 President’s Conference on Tuesday, October 9, and Wednesday, October 10, 2023. Superintendent Chambers, along with Dr. Stephenson, Nathan Sparks, Executive Director, One Okaloosa Economic Development Council, and SMSGT Michael Holderness, Director of Maintenance, Gulf Air Group, INC., participated in a panel discussion called “Creating a Seamless Pathway for Students from High School to College to Career” on Thursday moderated by Dr. Jay Box, HEI Chief Leadership Innovation Officer.
The emphasis of the discussion was on providing opportunities for students to seek an education that provides the lifestyle they are interested in living, whether that requires a college degree, an Industry Certification, or joining the military, and helps fill the needs of local industry. “We are proud to offer 19 career and technical education programs that allow students to explore opportunities that prepare them for college, the military, or the workforce upon graduation from high school beginning in elementary grades,” said Superintendent Chambers. It is essential to provide pathways for students to achieve the goals they set for themselves within our community. That path is paved by a solid partnership with community organizations like One Okaloosa Economic Development Council, local Military Installments, and schools like Northwest Florida State College and Okaloosa Technical College.
Thank you for including the Okaloosa County School District in this discussion. We appreciate the collaborative efforts that focus on our students, their future, and the future of our community!