Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


$10K Challenge Seeks CTE Skills-Gap Solutions

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 04/05/17

A company with a cloud-based application that connects students to prospective employers is sponsoring a challenge to generate new ideas for better connecting school outcomes to work. The top winner will be able to claim a prize of at least $5,000 and possibly more.

Viridis produces a platform for integrating student information systems, government databases and labor market information to bring students and jobs together. The platform includes features for students, schools and employers. Students gain a "universal skills passport" for maintaining an inventory of job skills and recommended pathways and programs of computer and technology education (CTE) programs catering to their interests and experiences; schools get access to student outcome data and dashboards that consolidate job placement details; and employers are promised a way to reduce the time it takes to fill their open jobs and lower new hire churn.

In the new challenge, which is being hosted through InnoCentive, Viridis wants to hear about proposals for bringing together stakeholders interested in closing the "skills gap," a term that describes the chasm that exists between the skills employers require and the skills students possess.

The primary recipient for the solution would be postsecondary students, particularly people enrolled in community college. And the solution itself would describe strategies for promoting data sharing among stakeholders — students, schools, employers and others.

The winning proposal will be awarded at least $5,000 (and possibly up to $10,000) in exchange for granting Viridis a royalty-free, perpetual and non-exclusive license to use any information offered in the proposal.

The deadline is April 24, 2017. To learn more, go the challenge page on InnoCentive here. To see all of the details, registration is required.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • child stands with a laptop, in front of various drawings related to math and science

    Why Screen Time Limits Are Not the Answer

    At a fundamental level, screen time policies and laws aim to address academic achievement by balancing digital instruction with traditional teaching methods. But they do not tackle how devices are used.

  • Digital document and folder warning alert with error

    When Cyber Attacks Disrupt Learning, Recovery Matters More than Ever

    As schools become more dependent on digital platforms for instruction, grading, student services, and family communication, resilience depends not only on preventing attacks, but on how quickly leaders can restore trusted data, recover essential services, and keep disruptions from cascading across the school community.

  • Blurred silhouettes of business people in a modern office with a glowing blue network overlay

    Open Secure AI Alliance Moving Under Linux Foundation

    Governance of the Open Secure AI Alliance has moved to the Linux Foundation, giving the initiative what the organizations describe as a neutral home for developing open source tools, shared standards and defensive practices. The Alliance was launched by NVIDIA in July to develop open security technologies for AI systems and agents.

  • education funding and graduation symbols on wooden dice

    What Is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and How Will It Work?

    The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) is a new source of funding for education that could benefit 90% of students in states that have opted in to the program. However, some confusion and misconceptions exist surrounding details of the program, including which programs may qualify, how parents can apply for scholarships, and how public school students can benefit.