About the Forum

The Forum for Workforce Development is a regional collaboration bringing together school districts from Westmoreland and surrounding counties, business and industry leaders, higher education institutions, economic development organizations, and community partners. Together, we work to create meaningful career pathways for students while strengthening the workforce pipeline across southwestern Pennsylvania. Our mission is to empower educators, employers, and community partners to work together to engage students and prepare them for successful futures. By aligning education with real workforce needs, The Forum helps ensure students are equipped with the skills, experiences, and opportunities necessary to thrive in today’s economy. Our vision is a highly qualified regional workforce that meets the evolving needs of southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy, ensuring both students and employers can succeed and grow within our communities.

The Forum for Workforce Development advances regional workforce readiness through collaborative initiatives that connect education, industry, and community partners.

Key Program Areas

  • Superintendent Executive Coaching
    Providing executive coaching and leadership development for regional superintendents and district administrators to strengthen strategic leadership and long-term educational initiatives.
  • County-Wide Internship Network
    Coordinating internships for high school and post-secondary students that connect them directly with local employers to gain real-world experience while addressing industry challenges.
  • Industry–Education Partnerships
    Facilitating meaningful connections between businesses and school districts to align classroom learning with workforce needs and ensure students develop relevant, in-demand skills.
  • Regional Career Pathways Development
    Working with districts and industry partners to design coordinated career pathways that guide students from exploration to training and employment in high-demand fields.
  • Work-Based Learning Expansion
    Supporting opportunities such as job shadowing, mentorships, project-based learning, and internships that allow students to experience careers before graduation.