My Number One Priority

By Paul Speranza, Chairman of the Board, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

We all know that we have a major problem with education and workforce development in America. This is a significant impediment to global competitiveness and also threatens the American Dream.

Education reform and workforce development is my number one priority and a top priority of many businesspeople I meet during my travels. Business must work with governments at all levels and community-based organizations to drive dramatic change.

The U.S. Chamber is attacking the education and workforce challenge on multiple fronts. First, it is working through its Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) with state and local chambers and other partners across the country to provide technical assistance, conduct research, and develop policies to improve achievement. The Chamber is also working on major legislative initiatives such as No Child Left Behind.

Second, through my "Chamber's Children" initiative, the Chamber has partnered with the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection, a program that almost doubles the graduation rates of economically disadvantaged, at-risk youth by providing them with the tools they need to succeed, including a part-time job when appropriate. The Hillside Work Scholarship Connection has received national recognition for its effectiveness. It is one example of an educational best practice that helps as many children as possible, as quickly as possible.

For more information or to get involved with these programs, contact me at paul.speranza@wegmans.com.