Solutions to America’s Workforce Crisis
On Thursday, January 25th, the Sorensen Impact Winter Innovation Summit convened in Salt Lake City, bringing together “policymakers, funders, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurs to explore the future of social innovation across the globe.” The summit was an ideal venue for the premiere of the new documentary “Solutions to America’s Workforce Crisis,” which profiles Per Scholas and Apprenticeship Carolina, two workforce organizations that have demonstrated impact for thousands of families across the country.
Produced by the What Works Media Project and directed by award-winning producer Mikaela Beardsley, and filmmaker Kristi Jacobson, the documentary follows the lives of three young people, two of them Per Scholas graduates, as they prepare for a rapidly changing jobs market. The film beautifully captures the success of these students as they persevere through our intensive curriculum, career coaching, and the job search that follows, and highlights the dedication that each of our staff gives to this organization every single day.
The premiere was followed by a panel discussion featuring Plinio Ayala, President and CEO, Per Scholas; Mikaela Beardsley, Executive Director, What Works Media Project; Jonathan Silva, one of two Per Scholas Graduates featured in the film; and Mark Thain, Director of Social Innovation, Barclays.
“Sharing Per Scholas’ story of evidence based outcomes helps our business, philanthropic and government partners understand the value of investing in proven models for change” says Plinio Ayala. “The opportunity to showcase our model with such beautiful visual elements captures our story in a transformative storytelling experience that makes it relatable to any audience.”
First announced at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, the What Works Media Project is a partnership between Results for America; the Sorenson Impact Center; Soledad O’Brien and Starfish Media Group; Mikaela Beardsley and Solutions Media; and Impact Partners. Per Scholas is excited to share stories of our amazing graduates with world-class filmmakers and audiences that are passionate about “driving positive social change, and demystifying the use of data and evidence to improve decision-making and achieve better outcomes.”
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