Photos from the event

Graduates from “Generation,” a program announced by the Governor earlier this year, will work for local health care providers, launching careers in high-growth field; Second class already underway, with plans to expand program in coming year

Wilmington, DE – Underscoring efforts to ensure every Delawarean has access to education and training to thrive in today’s economy, Governor Markell today gave the keynote address at the graduation ceremony of the first class of young adults to complete a new employment training program, Generation.

Wilmington was selected earlier this year as one of the pilot cities for Generation, a program of McKinsey Social Initiative that targets young workers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Together with a range of local partners, including employers, non-profits and Delaware Technical Community College, Generation’s first classes provide Wilmington young adults accelerated training as certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Those who complete the program, pass a certification test, and interview successfully are guaranteed jobs with Delaware employers. Building on the success of the CNA program in Wilmington, Generation plans to expand into other fast-growing professions in the coming year.

“Education and training beyond a high school diploma is more important than ever to thrive in our economy, which means we as a state have no higher priority than to ensure our people have access to the programs that will prepare them for good jobs,” said Markell, who announced Delaware’s partnership with Generation in his State of the State. “The students graduating today have demonstrated determination and skills to build successful careers and, as the first Generation class, they have helped to lay the groundwork for more Delawareans to benefit from this initiative. Their success is a testament to what’s possible when hardworking Delawareans are given the opportunities to make the most of their talents.”

In partnership with Delaware Tech, Generation currently offers an eight-week boot camp CNA course geared toward low-income, 18-29 year olds, who are currently unemployed or underemployed. The program’s recruitment partners include Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Goodwill, and Career Team.

“Generation is pleased to be able to congratulate the first class of graduates in Wilmington as they start on their careers in health care,” said Dr. Mona Mourshed, Executive Director of Generation. “Governor Markell and many wonderful local organizations have been great partners in launching the program. We’re looking forward to expanding Generation in Delaware in the future to reach many more young adults.”

“Delaware Tech is a proud partner with McKinsey Social Initiative and Governor Markell’s administration in Generation,” said Dr. Mark Brainard, President of Delaware Technical Community College. “Congratulations to the first class of this exciting program. We are pleased to provide certified nursing assistant training that will enable these graduates to gain employment in the healthcare field. We will continue to fulfill the College’s mission of providing access to education and training that prepares Delawareans for jobs.”

Seven students graduated today, all planning to work with one of the first employer partners, Saint Francis Healthcare and Cadia Rehabilitation. A second cohort of eight additional students, a size consistent with state regulations on classroom teacher-student ratios, has already begun classes.

“I joined Generation because it was an opportunity to better my circumstances,” said graduating Generation student Satyre Jackson. ”While in the program I learned to adapt and overcome no matter what life throws at you. My future plans are to finish up my associates degree in human services and then pursue my education in nursing.”

The Generation program integrates technical training in the classroom and at job sites, along with behavioral and mindset skills, which helps students prepare to overcome both workplace and personal challenges. Social support and mentorship is available to all students throughout the full-time course to enable even the most vulnerable young people to be successful, and students also receive stipends to cover basic transportation and other costs. Generation ensures that graduates continue to have access to support and regular follow-up contact for the first six months of their employment.

“Generation has helped start my life in the right direction. Without the staff at Generation supporting me every step of the way, I can’t imagine where’d I’d be,” said graduating student Cheyenne Hinson. “When I first started I didn’t know what I wanted to do. But then I realized my potential, and I plan on pushing myself to become a RN.”

“I was excited to partner our CNA program with Generation to create an enhanced training program–one that provides students the necessary life skills to ensure their personal, professional and financial success,” said Amy Martin, RN, coordinator and instructor in the Generation CNA program. “I couldn’t be more proud of the students in the program. They’ve worked hard to reach this point, and I am confident they have long and successful careers ahead of them.”

Program expansion will enable Generation to reach many more young Delawareans. Generation plans to move beyond healthcare to offer programs targeted in other sectors.

Generation will be recruiting additional classes to start later in the year, with recruitment currently open for the next Wilmington CNA class, scheduled to begin in early October. Interested young people or employers can contact generationwilmington@mckinseysocialinitiative.org or visit the Generation website at www.generationinitiative.org.

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Training a 21^st Century Workforce
Delaware’s participation in the Generation USA youth employment program is part of a series of efforts announced in Governor Markell’s State of the State address to rethink the state’s approach to workforce training and ensure more workers gain the skills to meet the demands of key industries in the new economy.

Last month, the Governor announced 15 Pathways to Prosperity grants for high schools to implement programs that allow students to earn workplace experience and college credit in high-demand fields before they graduate.

Next week, he will unveil details about the launch of an IT training program that has already been recognized by the White House as a model for preparing people for well-paying technology jobs.

McKinsey Social Initiative

Founded by McKinsey & Company in 2014, McKinsey Social Initiative applies problem solving expertise to develop innovative approaches to complex social challenges. McKinsey Social Initiative implements individual programs, each of which focuses on a single issue and brings together partners from the private, public, and social sectors to create solutions. It is an independent 501(c)(3). Generation is McKinsey Social Initiative’s first program.

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