The GIANT Company Frontline Leadership Credentialing Program recently received the Partnership Award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). This award recognizes programs that represent an effective collaboration between two or more higher education institutions or an institution collaborating with business, industry or government agencies to meet the needs of their joint continuing education constituents.
The Frontline Leadership Credentialing Program is the result of a unique collaboration between regional agribusiness employers, a workforce investment board, and multiple higher education institutions that partnered to create a program to address critical workforce shortages in agribusiness. Shippensburg University, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, HACC, Central PA’s Community College, the GIANT Company, Bake Crafters, and SCPAworks partnered to make this program successful.
The eight-week non-credit program focused on leadership and industry-wide foundational skills and knowledge for first-level leaders looking to pursue a career pathway within their company. Faculty from all three higher education institutions and industry experts delivered the courses virtually. Course topics included emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, public speaking and presentation skills, time management, cultural competencies, and more.
Initially funded by the PASSHE Foundation, the Frontline Leadership Program has received additional funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through an Industry Partnership grant and is also partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). The collaboration plans to grow the program to broader audiences and other in-demand industry clusters in the region. Those interested in joining future program cohorts can complete the Frontline Leadership Interest Form.
“My experience with the program was very educational. It provided me with an opportunity to grow my career and gain skills that apply to many areas of my professional and personal life. It was a rewarding challenge, ending in certificates from good institutions that will reflect positively on me in years to come. I appreciate the opportunities Prepared for PA afforded me and wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in making this program available.” –Kimberly, student, The GIANT Company
