A dialogue among business professionals, educators, civic leaders and government officials about coming together to promote West Virginia’s global vision for the 21st century was the basis for a community forum Monday at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels.

West Virginia first lady Gayle Manchin, who is also a co-chairperson of the West Virginia Jobs Cabinet, spoke at the forum regarding the new challenges the state will face in the new economy of the 21st century.

“When Joe became governor of West Virginia, it appalled him that economic development was out doing its thing, education was out doing its thing and business was in another arena and there was never any conversation between these people,” she said. “He said if we do nothing else, we will have all of these groups at the table to discuss issues that tie them together.”

Manchin said the governor formed the 21st Century Jobs Cabinet of West Virginia in 2006 to lead his efforts to confront challenges and find solutions.

“Many states have groups that focus on education, but the Jobs Cabinet brings all the components and groups in education together with those in business, economic development, and policy leaders,” she said.

Manchin said it was also just as important to include parents and students with those groups to work together to improve educational and economic opportunities in the state.

“We absolutely need to listen to our students and their parents,” Manchin said. “When you talk about the 21st century, you need to talk to these young people. They know what a 21st century classroom should look like. They know how they can best learn and interface with project-based learning. We need to be paying a lot more attention to what our students are saying to better engage them in learning.”

Sara Bradley, 16, attends James Monroe High School in Monroe County and says she is thrilled that leaders in government and education want to hear what she has to say.

“I am here to ask the government to help fund programs we have at our schools that assist students in getting jobs in today’s economy,” Bradley said. “I think it’s great that first lady Manchin cares about what students think about education. I am excited to have the opportunity to let her, and other leaders, know my opinions and what skills I need to be prepared for the jobs of the future.”

Ralph Baxter, chairman and CEO of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, a national law firm based in Wheeling, is also a co-chairperson for the West Virginia Jobs Cabinet.

“The Jobs Cabinet has a mission to lead the process and to coordinate all the different stakeholders and agencies in the state of West Virginia in making sure we have the best possible education for all of our students and all of our adults who need education beyond their formal learning or to retool for other jobs,” he said. “We also want to help keep and bring new jobs to West Virginia. So we’re thinking about the 21st century and what is really required for students to be successful, which is fundamentally different than what was required a generation ago.”

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