Learning is a lifelong process, and many of the nonprofit groups we work with at Momentum center around cultivating knowledge and equal opportunity. With the 2018-19 school year in full swing, education is on everyone’s minds from policymakers to parents. Here are some recent developments in education and their impact on the workforce economy you should know.

Academic Diversity Plan for NYC Schools Opens Racial Wounds

New York Post | Susan Edelman & Melissa Klein

• Mayor De Blasio has proposed a bill to diversify NYC’s education system by reserving 25% of seats in top performing middle schools for those who score lowest 2 levels on state tests
• New York City is one of the most racially and economically segregated cities, and its policymakers are attempting to work towards closing the gap through controversial education reform

Internships can be pipeline for future hires

The Packer | Alicia Calhoun

• The U.S unemployment rate fell to 3.8%, the lowest since 2000, consequently pushing smaller businesses to find new ways to attract hires
• Internship programs have been equally beneficial to companies and students alike, providing more niche companies with potential future hires and interns with pay and experience

Michigan is filling the skilled trades workforce gap with apprenticeships

The Detroit News | MI Apprenticeship

• Detroit is closing its skilled labor gap by creating awareness campaigns for “apprenticeship” programs where employers pay for mentors to educate and provide on the job experience for young workers
• Government endorsed apprenticeships help create more jobs with high wages, proving how important real work experience is as part of our education