Executive Director & CEO's Message

 March 2023

NCATC Friends and Colleagues,

In this issue we focus on NCATC Strategic Pillar 4 – Adult Education Grounded in Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness (ADEIB) for Workforce Development / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs.

All five elements of ADEIB—Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness—are essential to creating a safe and equitable environment for everyone:

• Access is the ability to access resources, services, and opportunities.
• Diversity is the representation of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Equity is the fair and just treatment of all individuals regardless of their background or identity.
• Inclusion is the active engagement of all individuals and the recognition of their unique contributions.
• Belongingness is the sense of being accepted and valued.

The elements of ADEIB are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Diversity is the foundation. Without diversity, it is impossible to create an equitable environment, as not everyone is represented. Equity is necessary to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and has access to the same opportunities. Inclusion is necessary to ensure that everyone is actively engaged and that their unique contributions are recognized. Belongingness is necessary to ensure that everyone feels accepted and valued in the space.

Creating an ADEIB-aligned environment is essential for any organization or community. Until we recognize that people have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we cannot create an environment that is welcoming and respectful of all individuals. This is done by creating policies and practices that promote ADEIB. These include creating a safe and welcoming space for all individuals, providing equal access to resources and opportunities, and actively engaging all individuals in the space.

ADEIB-aligned environments are not only beneficial for individuals, but also for organizations and communities. They can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and productivity, as well as improved morale and engagement. They can also lead to increased trust and collaboration, as well as improved customer service and satisfaction. Ultimately, creating an ADEIB-aligned environment is essential for any organization or community to thrive.

NCATC is focused on three main policies in 2023 for education and workforce development improvements in our states and our nation:

1. Prioritizing the CTE / Workforce Development Educators Shortages: Creation and Improvement of Teacher / Faculty Recruitment, Retention, Accreditation, and Wage Scales;
2. Digital Literacy and Skills for All Levels – from Foundational to Industry 4.0/x.0 – see The Digital Equity Act; and
3. Pell Grant eligibility (Workforce Pell) to workers in Short-Term postsecondary education (AACC).

On March 30 NCATC is holding the Q1-23 Quarterly Member Drop-In, which will focus on NCATC Pillar 4: Adult Education Grounded in Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness (ADEIB) for Workforce Development / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs. REGISTER HERE.

We look forward to seeing all of you at our 35th Anniversary Conference – this coming September 20-23 in Wichita, KS, hosted by WSU Tech. Find all the most current information and registration links HERE and register now.

As always, we encourage you to stay regularly connected and up to date on all ATC, WFD, and CTE-related activities and guidance, via the weekly updated NCATC website, social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), and quarterly e-newsletters like this one.

Wishing you all a Happy Spring 2023!

 J. Craig McAtee, CEO & Executive Director