(The Center Square) – National Governors Association (NGA) Chair and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, joined Governors Joe Lombardo, R-Nev., Spencer Cox, R-Utah, and Mark Gordon, R-Wyo., alongside education experts to support an NGA initiative this week, according to a press release from the organization.
The initiative is called Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success. It aims to improve public education in the following areas, according to the initiative’s website: early literacy, numeracy, and high-quality curriculum; after-school, summer, and expanded learning; work-based learning and apprenticeships; dual and concurrent enrollment; skills-based learning and non-degree credentials; technology and artificial intelligence in the classroom; educator development and support; and data systems and roles of state agencies.
“Launched in July 2024, Let’s Get Ready is a yearlong initiative designed to support the nation’s Governors drive innovative education policies,” the release said. “Let’s Get Ready aims to help Governors form policies that better evaluate outcomes for state investments in education and improve outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey. The initiative also focuses on the ways states can meet the future needs of the workforce by preparing students for success in and outside of the classroom. Last month, Governor Polis held the first Let’s Get Ready convening in Denver.”
On Wednesday, Polis and Lombardo plan to tour Southeast Career Technical Academy where they will “highlight the innovative work the school is leading to empower students with the tools needed to succeed with professional career paths,” the release said.
Southeast Career Technical Academy is the first career and technical education high school in Las Vegas.
“I started the Let’s Get Ready initiative because I’m committed to advancing the American principle that all students should have access to education that prepares them for success in life,” Polis said in the release. “We know that education is the key to prosperity and success for individuals, our communities, and our economy. That’s why we’re encouraged that Governors from both sides of the aisles are working with our country’s top education experts to find innovative solutions to improve education policies and outcomes. We can ensure all learners have access to quality education by implementing policies that look to the current and future needs of students and our workforce.”
Lombardo said the academy meshes well with his educational goals as governor.
“Better preparing students for college and career paths is one of my top priorities,” Lombardo said in the release. “Nevada is taking action on a variety of fronts – expanding early childhood education, hiring more teachers, increasing per-pupil funding, supporting innovative charter schools, and increasing accountability to ensure schools deliver results for students. Establishing better education to workforce pathways takes coordination with teachers, students, and business leaders. I appreciate the opportunity to host Governors and education leaders in Nevada to spur a national conversation on education.”
The Las Vegas-based event will feature panel discussions with education experts on both sides of the political aisle. Some education experts participating include: David Coleman, CEO of College Board; Dr. Shanika Hope, Education for Social Impact Director at Google; Dr. Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy; and Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, the release said.
Additional information about the Let’s Get Ready initiative and upcoming bipartisan events are available on the NGA website.