U.S. Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education to discuss Skills Gap in Missouri during Keynote Remarks at 2012 SkillsUSA National Conference

Assistant Secretary Brenda Dann-Messier, who heads the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, will discuss the “skills gap” in the Missouri job market and the Department’s vocational and adult education initiatives during her visit to Kansas City Tuesday, June 26, where she will deliver the keynote remarks at the 2012 SkillsUSA National Conference. During her remarks, at the conference’s Youth Foundation Awards luncheon, Dann-Messier will also address the importance of businesses constructively supporting career and technical education. While at the conference, Dann-Messier also will address the Board of Directors and attend the Opening Ceremony Reception.

Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Mo., has received a $20 million grant to help it to create and expand innovative partnerships between community colleges and businesses to train workers with the skills employers need. The funding is part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Community College and Career Training Grant Program, designed to help close the skills gap in communities across the country.

SkillsUSA is a national contest for high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The event has 94 contests that include medical math, culinary arts and crime scene investigation.

As assistant secretary, Dann-Messier leads the Education Department's efforts in adult, career and technical education, as well as community colleges and correctional education.