At the completion of the nine-month CREC Policy Academy, teams reflect on lessons learned to align state and local economic development strategies and build sustained economic benefits.

CREC hosted a convening of Statewide Planning Grant grantees to not only share research findings, but to provide an opportunity for state and Economic Development District leaders to discuss project activities, roadblocks, and state-EDD alignment.

From October 15 – 21, 2023, nine representatives of the SEDE network visited Bonn, Cologne, and Stuttgart to learn about Germany’s dual education and training (Dual VET) system, aiming to expand apprenticeship in the US. During the visit, the delegation met with German economic development professionals, government officials, employer associations, unions, vocational schools, training centers, and manufacturers. This visit allowed the delegation to gain firsthand insights into Dual VET system, its policies and funding mechanisms, and which social partners were involved.