From left, OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano; Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz; student Jared Barnett; OCC's Interim Dean of Health Professions Lynn Cherry; and Oakland County Chief Deputy County Executive Hilarie Chambers at the launch of the Oakland80 Navigators program held at OCC's campus in Southfield.
Oakland County, Oakland University, OCC, Oakland80, Jared Barnett
July 14, 2022
Oakland University is among the educational and community organizations partnering with Oakland County on a new initiative to help county residents obtain post-secondary degrees and certifications, and continue to build the region’s talent pipeline.
The Oakland80 initiative will connect Oakland County residents to educational and financial resources with the goal of helping 80 percent of residents obtain a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.
“This program targets Oakland County adults to help them open the door to new or better career opportunities,” Oakland County Chief Deputy County Executive Hilarie Chambers explained at the kickoff event. “We identified the resources needed to launch this program and hired people who are uniquely qualified to connect students with the help they need to launch a successful career.”
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OU President Pescovitz speaking at the |
As part of the initiative, career and education navigators will be embedded throughout Oakland County, including at Oakland University, to help individuals find paths to meaningful careers, get into and complete college or training programs, and reduce obstacles to education such as the cost of books, registration fees, and childcare options. Their work also includes intensive coaching and ongoing mentorship through graduation and beyond.
“Higher education has a direct and positive impact on the community, society and economic development,” said Oakland University President, Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “Oakland University’s partnership in the Oakland80 initiative is a collaboration that we hope inspires people to imagine what is possible, and with an education, make their dreams come true.”
Along with Oakland University, Oakland80 partners include Oakland County Michigan Works!, Oakland Community College, Lawrence Technological University, Baker College and Oakland Literacy Council.