All people can learn, and merit opportunities to reach their potential. Opportunities for learning should be offered as early in life as is developmentally appropriate. Valuable learning occurs in both formal environments like schools and universities, and informal environments like museums, parks, non-profits, corporations, and homes. Developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills will enable people to continue to learn over their lifetimes. Because one of the ultimate applications of learning is in the world of work, building connections between school and work is essential to effective learning.
Confidence grows when competence is acknowledged and effort appreciated.
Working as the Collaborative, they include students, teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, universities, corporations, labor and management, government, regional institutions, civic agencies, professional associations, non-profits, and foundations. While the primary responsibility for learning lies with the individual, all stakeholder groups share responsibility for enabling students to achieve educational outcomes that will build productive futures. The economic future of this region depends on building a productive future for all of its children. Distinctions of geographic location, socio-economic level, ethnicity, race, or gender must not determine the availability of resources that create opportunities to learn. Stakeholders will responsibly coordinate their efforts and focus their resources to achieve a desirable future that they envision together.