Education - A Key to Global Success

Central Florida’s future will depend largely on the quality of its school systems. From the development of a skilled workforce, to our attractiveness as a high-paying employment destination, new opportunities will require us to become the most sought-after, best-educated individuals in the world. In our research-based economy, it’s clear people are our biggest asset. To remain competitive, we must dramatically improve the quality of Central Florida education and establish our region as a global leader in educational excellence.

Imagine an educational environment where individuals thrive and excel, cooperation among school districts is unprecedented, and opportunities for life-long learning are unlimited. It’s possible – thanks to Central Florida Leaders. By establishing a collective vision for academic success, we’re building a new future for education, and ensuring Central Florida’s place among the country’s top schools systems.

In collaboration with O-Force – a developmental partnership between business and education – and the Central Florida School Board Coalition, myregion is working with community leaders to develop programs that nurture scholastic excellence. Together, we’re creating a regional Pre-K-to-12 educational strategy to significantly improve math and science programs, and to unite school districts across Florida's High-Tech Corridor.

To support this initiative, the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce Regional Board of Advisors (RBA) sponsored the first Central Florida Education Summit in April 2005. This gathering brought together superintendents from eight public school districts and senior executives from the region’s largest employers in order to:

• Unveil a targeted math and science improvement initiative
• Analyze current performance among the region’s schools
• Identify metrics that measure academic progress
• Share and establish best practices among school districts
• Enlist the support of businesses and other stakeholders

By working together, Central Floridians can earn an international reputation for education, just as we have for tourism, agriculture, and aerospace. In doing so, the region will flourish, along with all of us who call Central Florida home.