Perhaps the most disturbing trend in the current economic downturn is the loss of jobs - it's impacting so many families.  According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment in the Bay area is now over 10%.  Some of those jobs won't be returning. 
 
But many of these folks are turning this into an opportunity.  Looking at the future, they are preparing themselves for another career.  Case in point, enrollment in Career and Technical Education (CTE) is at new highs, up by 13% since last year.  More people are seeing the value of having current, marketable skills and the certification credentials needed for these careers. 
 
According to the Agency for Workforce Innovation, seven of the 10 fastest growing occupations in Florida through the year 2016 will require a CTE certification (see a list of those occupations here)  Those are credentials which can be obtained in 12 - 24 months, usually at one of Hillsborough County's Hi-TEC Centers.  These post-secondary programs are tuition based; the Foundation's INVEST program helps these workers who want to get back into the job market.  These are careers that will be around for a while - and pay well!  See the article below to learn more about folks taking advantage of this program and how you can help.