The WorkKeys Center at University College of Syracuse University has received the 2007 Crystal Globe award for the outstanding local workforce development program in the nation. The award was presented at the ACT WorkKeys National Conference in New Orleans. Awards are given annually at the conference for the outstanding statewide, regional and local programs that use the WorkKeys Skill Assessment System to better prepare students and job seekers to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.
The selection is based on the scope of the operation; innovative approaches developed; the volume of individuals served; the variety and quality of training programs delivered; and the number of schools, employers and workforce development organizations served. More than 350 WorkKeys centers are in operation across the nation.
The WorkKeys Center at University College was recognized in particular for a school-based program currently being delivered in the Syracuse City School District in collaboration with SU GEAR UP. The program uses WorkKeys as a skill-building mechanism and essential component in the Virtual College and Career Center, an online electronic career-planning portfolio. The initiative is reaching more than 2,500 students who update their career plan on a regular basis.
The award is presented annually at the WorkKeys conference by WIN Inc. This year, Jeb Bush, former Florida governor, was the conference keynote speaker. He was recognized for his efforts to establish the Florida Ready to Work program. Bush met with award winners to share ideas.
The WorkKeys Center offers a complete spectrum of job analysis, skill assessment, instructional support and training services for employers, job seekers and students, revolving around the well-known WorkKeys System developed by American College Testing (ACT). WorkKeys employs a precisely calibrated numeric rating scale to compare the skills of an individual with the skills required for effective performance in any job. The center is housed at University College.
