Goal 1.1: Develop a regional vision that maximizes regional assets to stimulate and sustain economic growth. *Denotes lead organization |
Key Strategies |
Activities |
Partners |
Timeframes & Milestones |
Desired Outcomes & Metrics |
1.1 Educate key stakeholders across the region through a comprehensive communications campaign
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1.1A Communicate project vision throughout community; Ensure Leadership Teams represent all partner groups; Utilize resources and services of the Alabama Development Office and the WIA Boards in AL and TN |
(See list in Section 4.4) |
Y 1-3 |
Increased Awareness in region
Identification of resources and initiatives |
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1.1B Facilitate communication within and among the individual partner groups through email blasts, quarterly newsletters and other appropriate communication venues, and a functional, useful website.
Conduct 1-day regional forums for individual partner groups: postsecondary, middle and high schools, businesses, agencies and associations, faith based and government groups (economic development offices, WIA, mayors, etc.) to discuss vision for project and detailed roles of partners |
(See list in Section 4.4) |
Y 1-3 |
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1.1C Employ, as needed, consultants for development of regional approach to workforce and economic development
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Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
Regional asset map and inventory of resources aligned with the BioEconomy (a road map of data, competitive intelligence, market scope, and specific economic opportunities for the WIRED BioEconomy strategy in VIA)
Cluster of Knowledge and Competency Model that identifies the skills and talent required to meet the objectives of the emerging technology sectors and products/servicesAsset Mapping Completed
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1.1D Collaborate to host an annual cross-border, gubernatorial and legislative VIA Briefing Day of Innovation. |
Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
At least 1 annual Briefing Day of Innovation will be held each year and hosted by VIA. |
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Goal 2: Develop a K-20 educational pipeline supported by a full skill-set of competencies that encourages and prepares students for careers and career changes at all levels in targeted industries. *Denotes lead organization. |
Key Strategies |
Activities |
Partners |
Timeframes & Milestones |
Desired Outcomes & Metrics |
2.1 Increase workforce pipeline available to meet the demands of target industries |
2.1A Create online career portal that promotes career opportunities in the targeted industries for high school students, entry level employees, incumbent workers, Veterans, GED completers and those considering moving to a job in the targeted industry. Catalog various career opportunities for targeted industries that includes skills required, training needed, pathways to careers, training provided, average wages and responsibilities
|
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce*, HAIB, CCC, Junior Achievement |
Identify Portal components 10/07
Seek bids for site development 10/07
Live site by 1/08 |
Live site 1/08
Number of careers profiled
Average number monthly “hits”
Feedback from user through survey mechanism
Number of students who enter training/education programs in targeted industries – METRIC: 30 year 1; 40 year 2; 50 year 3 |
2.1B Provide professional development opportunities for high school counselors and faculty to learn about careers in targeted industries.
|
Leadership Team*, Executive Director, industry outreach and education directors, institutions that provide the workforce skillset training in targeted regions, JA, school systems
CMI camps for students,
STEP |
Written materials, quarterly email blasts pointing counselors and faculty to web portal from strategy 1.1A 1/08
Ongoing presentations to high schools in the region about career opportunities |
Communications plan that actively promotes career opportunities for target industries and the importance of STEM skills for those careers
Increased enrollment in skillset training programs in targeted industries. |
2.1C Provide opportunities to inform the public, parents and students about career opportunities in the targeted industries for our region.
|
Leadership Team*, Executive Director, industry outreach and education directors, institutions that provide the workforce skillset training in targeted regions, JA, school systems, Chambers of Commerce |
Ongoing presentations to target audiences to present the workforce pipeline for target industries and career profiles
Presentations developed and available 9/07 |
Actively promote career opportunities for target industries
Increased enrollment in skillset training programs in targeted industries.
METRIC: Hold at least 1 community-wide event each year targeting parents and students. |
2.1D Support a regional “Dream It, Do It” campaign |
Action Committee*
Advanced manufacturing companies, National Association of Manufacturers |
Secure partner support to implement campaign |
Increased awareness and interest in advanced manufacturing careers
More students enrolled in adv. Man. Training courses throughout the region |
2.2 Identify existing innovative K-12 STEM programs that support an understanding of or increase the relevant skill set for targeted industry areas
|
2.2A Provide support for HAIB 7th grade educational programs in biotechnology and genetics
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HAIB*, AMSTI |
7th grade module:
developed 7/07
pilot testing completed by 1/08
ready for statewide use 4/08
incorporated across N. Alabama region 8/09; Pilot tested with 25 TN teachers 8/09
|
New curriculum modules developed
Number of teachers trained
Number of students engaged in module use
Metric: 7th grade module developed 2008;
Metric: 90 teachers trained – 1300 students engaged in 2008;
Metric: 180 teachers trained – 2600 students engaged by 2009 |
2.2B Provide support for HAIB 9-12th grade Science in Motion genetics and biotech modules for incorporation in science classes
|
HAIB*, ASIM |
SIM 9-12th grade modules:
Developed 9/07
Pilot testing completed by 1/08
Ready for statewide use by 5/08
Incorporated across region 8/09
Online skills library developed 5/08
|
New curriculum modules developed
Number of teachers trained
Number of students engaged in module use
Number of schools participating
Number of students who enter Biotechnology training programs
Metric: 6 modules developed in 2008; Metric: 100 teachers trained in 2008; 2000 students engaged in 2008; Metric: 200 teachers trained in 2009 – 4000 students engaged. |
2.2C Develop an online biotechnology skillset video series that reviews standard lab handling skills
|
HAIB* |
Online skills library developed 5/08
|
Metric: Set of 10-15 instructional segments
Number of schools using videos for preview/review Metric: 25 schools using videos
Number of hits/downloads on career website Metric: 1000 hits/month |
2.2D Duplicate the Alabama APPLE AP Biology lab support program in southern TN
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PBR*, Lincoln, Giles counties in TN |
Equipment and reagents purchased by 9/07
Teachers trained by 1/08 |
Number of TN high schools who utilize lab protocols
Metric: 2 high schools participating in APPLE Program in 2008 |
2.2E Establish a Biotechnology Educator in Residence (BEIR) Program at HAIB for one high school teacher/year
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HAIB*, Hsv City School Board, Madison City School Board, Madison County School Board (2007)
Eligibility will expand to other regions across N. Alabama in 2008
|
1st BEIR chosen 7/07
2nd BEIR chosen 6/08
3rd BEIR chosen 6/09
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Number of applicants for program each year
Metric: 5 applicants in 2008
Types of educational and outreach programs participated in by BEIR
Metric: 5-10 in 2008
Biotechnology activities the BEIR completes upon returning to home school following year in residence
Metric: 5 professional development activities conducted by BEIR |
2.2F Provide additional support for Project Lead the Way |
Action Committee* |
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2.2G Develop partnership with regional Junior Achievement to highlight target careers as part of JA programming |
Chambers of commerce* |
|
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2.2H Consolidate Calhoun Tech Prep Programs into one initiative and expand Tech prep Symposium |
Calhoun CC* |
|
Number of articulation agreements in place to students with articulated credit. |
2.2I Expand Tech Prep linkages and articulation with regional high schools
(Examples: Lincoln, Giles, Franklin County HSs (TN)). |
Regional Chamber’s Workforce Coalition*
Education Taskforce of education and industry reps |
Y 1-3 |
Updated curriculum with industry focus for career tech programs |
2.2J Enhance the Early College Entrance Program (ECEP) and Dual Enrollment Programs in all area high schools to encourage greater high school graduation and pursuit of postsecondary education. |
Calhoun CC* |
Y 1-3 |
Enrollment in ECEP and Dual Enrollment Programs will increase 10% each year. |
2.2K Support the Engineering Academy Initiative for Alabama |
Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
|
2.3 Support innovative STEM programs that increase the relevant skill set for targeted industry areas at the postsecondary level. |
2.3A Develop and implement curriculum, laboratory and materials for Biotechnology Associate Degree Program at Calhoun Community College and provide scholarships for freshmen students. |
Calhoun CC* |
Y 1 |
At least 10 students will be enrolled in the Fall 2008 biotechnology associate degree program at Calhoun Community College. |
2.3B Set up bio/nanotech lab at Calhoun Community College and at one additional community college in the region. |
Calhoun CC* |
Y 1-3 |
Associate Degree biotechnology curriculum established and lab equipped at Calhoun Community College. |
2.3C Develop 1+1 linkage program in Bio/Nano and or IT with at least three other regional community colleges. |
Calhoun CC* |
Y 2-3 |
At least 4 articulation agreements will be developed between regional partners in information technology. |
2.3D Develop articulation agreements in Bio/Nano/IT with regional universities. |
Calhoun Community College *, UAH, Alabama A & M, UAB, MTSU, TTU |
Y 2-3 |
At least 4 articulation agreements will be developed between regional partners in bio/nano. |
2.3E Support the Charger Products collaboration between PBR and UAH for biotechnology graduate students and business majors through student stipends and internships.
|
PBR*, UAH, HAIB |
2007 class 3 PhD students enrolled 7/07
Business interns begin 9/07 (6 each year)
2008 class 4 PhD students enrolled 7/08
2009 class 6 PhD students enrolled 7/09 |
# students enrolled
# graduates in targeted programs
# students remaining in region after receiving degree |
2.3F Support Undergraduate summer internships in biotechnology |
HAIB*, companies in the biotech industry;
Biomimetic Therapeutics in Franklin, TN |
|
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2.3G Provide scholarships for community college, baccalaureate and graduate students to pursue study in Bio/Nano/IT & Engineering |
Action Committee* |
Y 2-3 |
VIA will support at least 5 associate degree scholarships in year 1. A minimum of 10 scholarships for baccalaureate and graduate students will be awarded in Yr 2-3. |
2.3H Support student retention programs in targeted industries, e.g., the UAH Math camp for Engineer Majors |
Regional universities* |
Y 2-3 |
Increase in retention rates of engineering majors. |
2.3I Apprenticeships, Internships, Co-ops in Advanced Manufacturing and other 2-year degree programs in targeted industries |
Calhoun Cooperative Program*
UAH Coop |
Y 2-3 |
Number of students in OJT experiences |
2.4 Fund promising practices that support innovative education efforts to increase skill competencies for employment in targeted industries at the K-20 level
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2.4A Develop criteria for Jump Start projects where needs are already clear and projects can be strengthened, expanded or replicated
Prepare RFP for Jump Start, review, select and fund
Develop criteria for innovative programs that link students and workers to occupations or skill sets in targeted industries
Prepare RFP, review, select and fund
Monitor and evaluate progress of funded programs. |
Leadership Team*, members of the Innovation Network, WIRED staff |
Y1 Jump Start Proposals solicited and due within one month of IP approval, awards made within one month of due date
Y2 & Y3 Allocated Funds (need target dates) |
Selection of Action Committee
Project criteria for Jump Start and Innovation projects
Selection and funding of Jump Start and Innovative projects
Semi-annual progress reports
Evaluation programs |
2.5 Profile workforce skills projected for the next 5-10 years to enable appropriate workforce training |
2.5A Use Workkeys to profile companies to determine needed skill sets
|
Calhoun ACT Center*
Chamber of Commerce* |
Review existing and commissioned studies of projected workforce skills
Identify any gaps in initial data and implement strategy for filling gaps
Develop conclusions and publish results
Develop strategies to address identified training gaps
Share strategies across region and through Workforce3One |
Number of jobs in targeted industries profiled |
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Goal 3.1: Create an entrepreneurial climate that encourages and supports business development and growth in targeted industries. *Denotes lead organization |
Key Strategies |
Activities |
Partners |
Timeframes & Milestones |
Desired Outcomes & Metrics |
3.1.1 Increase the number of employers in the targeted industries |
3.1.1A Provide technical assistance to new businesses through established regional incubators by providing funding for mentoring programs |
Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
Number of Mentor Protégé programs supported |
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3.1.1B Assist economic development offices in recruitment of new business and the expansion of existing businesses in the targeted industries |
Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
# of new businesses in targeted industries moving to the region |
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3.1.1C Host Annual Regional Innovation Summit to showcase entrepreneurs, innovations, new research, education, resources, and products and to recruit potential investors |
Action Committee* |
Y 2-3 |
VIA will host at least 1 regional innovation summit each year to increase awareness and investment opportunities in the region. |
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3.1.1D Facilitate the extension of angel investment membership and activities to the entire region
|
Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
Increased amounts of leveraged funding from regional Angel investment Networks
METRIC: ___ new startups in targeted industries |
3.1.2 Facilitate research in Bio/Nano/IT at UAH, Hudson Institute for Biotechnology, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Alabama A & M University and Vanderbilt University
|
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Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
|
3.1.3 Nurture industry cluster development across the region
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3.1.3A Provide business leaders from each targeted industry with the opportunity to network and form collaborations through at least one regional meeting per year in each targeted industry. |
Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
At least 1 networking event will be held each year to facilitate networking in the targeted industries. |
|
3.1.3B Facilitate organizations such as Partnership for Biotech Research (PBR), and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) that encourage entrepreneurship by hosting events, sponsor meetings and scholarships |
Action Committee* |
Y 1-3 |
At least 1 event per year will be co-hosted by PBR and VIA. |
3.1.4 Facilitate trade development in the targeted industries across the region. |
3.1.4A Develop a series of training programs focused on international opportunities for the targeted industries across the region.
2.1.3B Organize industry-specific trade missions, both incoming and outgoing, with key trading partners in the targeted industries. |
NAITA* |
YS 1-3 |
Increased # of international trade agreements in targeted industries
Leveraged funding from AL and TN |
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Goal 3.2: Leverage the MEP pilot project to promote innovation and growth in existing ingrained industries by fostering partnerships that exploit bio and nanotechnologies and facilitate technology transfer in these areas. Focus on “green” processes, biomaterials and renewable resources. *Denotes Lead Organization |
Key Strategies |
Activities |
Partners |
Timeframes & Milestones |
Desired Outcomes & Metrics |
3.2.1 Help accelerate the pace of technology transfer from area universities and labs into targeted businesses
|
3.2.1A Participate in NIST/MEP Pilot program for Tech Transfer
|
AZ Technology*
NASA
ORNL
NREL
UT- Knoxville
UAH
Alabama A & M
Partnership for Biotechnology Research
Alabama Technology network
Tennessee MEP Office |
Y 1-3 |
At least 10 new concepts will transition from the bench into a business environment through the resources of regional high technology business incubators, NASA, and Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology. |
3.2.1B Organize summit where industry, government, research and economic development leaders can gather to exchange information and bring awareness to the opportunities in bio and nanotechnologies, biomaterials, and alternative energy and other renewable resources in the Tennessee Valley region. |
Action Committee*
ORNL
NREL
UT- Knoxville
UAH
Alabama A & M
Partnership for Biotechnology Research
Alabama Technology network
Tennessee MEP Office
NASA |
Year 1 |
At least 100 regional partners will attend resulting in an increased awareness of opportunities in emerging technologies and cross pollination between what now seem to be disparate industries. This will be measurable by the follow-up response to the MEP centers. |
3.2.1C Utilize the MEP centers in the region to educate industry participants and facilitate the development of innovative ideas and critical partnerships that are identified or seeded by the summit. Employ other technical assistance organizations such as Techlink to facilitate technology transfer from academic and federal facilities. |
Action Committee*
AZ Technology
ORNL
NREL
UT- Knoxville
UAH
Alabama A & M
Partnership for Biotechnology Research
Alabama Technology network
Tennessee MEP Office
NASA
USDA
Large energy companies
Commercial and residential contractors and architects
TVA |
Year 2 |
At least 10 new concepts will transition from the bench into a business environment through the resources of regional high technology business incubators, NASA, and Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology |
3.1.2D “Harvesting the Sun” - Hold a nationally-sponsored and attended community outreach program that focuses on renewable resources. Bring local industry to participate in this annual event to educate the general public on where our everyday energy and material resources come from. Use hands-on demonstrations to illustrate how much of what we already use is powered by the sun and discuss the future or renewable resources in this context. |
Action Committee*
AZ Technology
ORNL
NREL
UT- Knoxville
UAH
Alabama A & M
Partnership for Biotechnology Research
Alabama Technology network
Tennessee MEP Office
NASA |
Yr 1-3 |
Minimum of 300 attendees in Yr 1, 400 attendees in yr 2, and 500 attendees in yr 3. Presentations from across the private and public sectors including state and federal leaders. |
3.2.2 Support application of technology to new products and services in targeted industries |
3.2.2A Provide workforce training assistance to new/expanded businesses in the targeted industries that are employing new technologies or creating new markets |
AIDT* |
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At least 50 workers will be retrained annually to support Workforce skills to accommodate technologically innovative business growth |
