Peach Tree Times

Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced the creation of a commission aimed at enhancing educational pathways leading to high-demand careers. As chair of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), Governor Kemp will lead the Commission on Career Pathways and Credentials, which plans to provide policy recommendations by late 2025.

Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of preparing future workers for success amid rapid economic and population growth in the South. "With the South experiencing incredible economic and population growth, one of the biggest challenges we currently face is preparing the next generation of workers for success in the ever-evolving job market," he stated. He further highlighted that collaboration among southern industry leaders would help equip citizens with essential skills and knowledge.

Dale Winkler, SREB senior vice president for school improvement, underscored the need for clear career pathways: “Every student and adult needs to be able to see clearly how to get where they want to go.” Winkler noted that local industries require valued credentials and seamless pathways connecting education from K-12 through postsecondary levels and into the workforce.

SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt described aligning education with workforce needs as a complex task requiring collaboration beyond individual sectors. “The goal is to bring us all together behind the north star of aligning education with the needs of our workforce,” he said.

The commission includes representatives from each of SREB’s 16 member states, involving officials from governors’ offices, state agencies, K-12 educators, postsecondary faculty members, and business leaders. Their work will involve sharing ideas, reviewing research data, and examining industry best practices.

A primary objective is creating a framework for states to develop lists of high-demand career pathways, priority occupations, and relevant credentials valued by local businesses. The commission aims to guide decision-making using labor market data and foster collaboration between employers and educational institutions.

The Southern Regional Education Board was established in 1948 by Southern governors and legislators who recognized education's link to economic vitality. Based in Atlanta, SREB works with state education agencies to improve educational outcomes across its member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.