Career Development | Mentoring | Social Networking

Excell’s Philosophy of Education

Philosophically, it is my firm belief that education is the lifeline of our country. In order for our country to thrive socially and economically, it is imperative that we construct and cultivate educational institutions where continuous learning exchanges take place. Currently, education is in a volatile state of epidemic proportions.  As baby boomers start to prepare for retirement, the knowledge and years of industry expertise is subject to leave with them.  This is coupled with the fact that graduation rates in high schools, colleges, and universities are drastically low in areas of greatest need. Therefore, the generational transfer of knowledge gap is widening at a rate that will not sustain our economy. As a solution, leaders in communities across the United States must create and support College Learning and Opportunity Centers. My philosophy of education embodies three concepts to fulfill this vision: cost of education, access to education, and quality of education.

First of all, it is important to make education affordable.  The cost of education is on the rise.  Students often graduate with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at a cost equivalent to their first year salary. The amount of time it takes to complete an Associate or Bachelor degree is rapidly increasing.  Therefore, it is important for students, faculty, and staff to be mindful of their investment.

Secondly, it is equally important to make education accessible.  Perspective students often do not have the access to educational advancement due to a multitude of barriers to entry such as heightened enrollment requirements and logistical issues such as transportation.  If adult learners were to view education as a tangible asset, the interest in actualizing their educational aspirations will increase substantially.  Furthermore, by making the conscious decision to strategically place the Learning and Opportunity Centers, the possibility that furthering ones education is more achievable in underserved areas.

Finally, people invest in what they feel is valuable.  Therefore, the quality of education is significant. From an outcome perspective, corporations invest in communities that promote quality of education. Ultimately, enhanced quality of education breeds successful graduation rates. Communities that build educated workforces secure corporations that invest in the communities they serve.

In conclusion, my philosophy of education from a cost, access and quality perspective is simple.  The focus must be on first generation and non-traditional students.  If done properly and consistently, change will occur that will boost our current economic state and ultimately add value to the quality of life in most communities.

For those who are on the fence about seeking nonprofit work, Roos offers the following words: “These days with all of us asking questions about the world’s economic future and perhaps even deeper questions, few of us would dispute the need to serve those less fortunate. Nonprofits have been singing that song for a very long time, and they are, perhaps, even more prepared than some to step up to the plate and affirm the value of each person and their right to a decent life. They are also used to being creative in the face of adversity and not wanting to see the mission lost. Who wouldn’t want to give the best hours of their day each day to that sort of enterprise?”

While many workers shy away from nonprofits because of their reputation for lower starting pay, fewer and smaller raises and longer work hours, especially in the higher-level positions, these organizations are worth taking a look at. What employees lack in salaries, they may make up for in more vacation time, flex hours and less daily routine.

On a more personal level, says Roos, “Besides being able to see close connections between your personal values and what you do for a living, nonprofits also offer an outstanding and unique entrée into a community’s network of nonprofits. This allows for a rich sense of collegiality and broader shared purpose. It also provides an easy way to keep in touch with employment opportunities with other nonprofits.”

He adds that nonprofits whose funding is secured by local, state or federal funding have been more recession-proof recently, a fact worth considering in the current employment climate.

February 19 - 6pm

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center
200 South Bell School Road,
Rockford IL 61108

Become a part of this event!
Corporate Tables of 10 @ $350 each (includes signage)
Individual Seats @ $35 each
Student Seats @ $25 each

Hors d’oeuvres from 6 until 7
Major Sponsor: $2,000
What it includes - The Major Sponsor will receive premiere recognition in all sponsored publicity including direct mail, local news articles, radio, television, and placement on the XL Academics website for a full year. Signage or banners will be displayed at sponsored events to promote the sponsor. Each Major Sponsorship includes ten event tickets, and ten XL Academics Scholarships which provide complete access to area students.

Corporate Sponsor: $1,500
What it includes - The Corporate Sponsor will receive recognition in sponsored publicity including direct mail, and placement on the XL Academics website for a full year. Signage or banners will be displayed at sponsored events to promote the sponsor.

Corporate sponsorship includes ten event tickets and ten XL Academics Scholarships which provide complete access to area students.

Sponsorship Fields: Business, Education, Engineering & Engineering Technology, Health & Human Sciences,Liberal Arts & Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts

XL Academics can be a student’s first step toward professional success XL Academics is a learning resource designed to put students at the threshold of success. At this web site kick off, you’ll be among the first to see a site that provides tools for building skills a student will use forever.

XL Academics mentors a student’s transition into professional life
XL Academics is an online community where college, vocational and high school students can build cooperative relationships – with each other AND with mentors. The site creates a stimulating learning environment, and you can learn skills that will benefit you throughout your professional life.

Learn more about XL Academics by attending the web site launch.