S1E17: Connecting Classrooms to Careers: Why Nonprofit Partnerships are Critical to Economic Development (Mike Batt, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority)

How can economic development organizations strengthen their communities by investing in the next generation of talent?

In this episode, host Jennie Treby sits down with Mike Batt, Vice President of Talent for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA), to explore how public, private and nonprofit partnerships are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Mike shares how his 20-year career at Microsoft led him to a mission-driven role connecting companies with schools, why investing in students strengthens the whole community, and how innovative programs across the region are inspiring kids to dream bigger.

Through collaboration with Think Big for Kids, Fairfax County Public Schools and Educate Fairfax, the Fairfax County EDA is creating a model for how economic development can begin long before the hiring stage – by helping students discover their potential, develop skills and connect education to real career opportunities.

💡 Key insights:

• The EDA’s approach to connecting regional talent, education and business growth through strategic partnerships, exposing kids early on to high-growth industries like technology, healthcare, government, space and cybersecurity.
• How economic development organizations can future-proof their regions by aligning business needs with education and youth development.
• How Think Big for Kids is shaping career pathways across the greater Washington, D.C. region by bringing businesses into schools to help students envision the careers available right here at home.
• The powerful impact of hands-on career showcases, field trips and STEM experiences, paired with mentorships and internships, to prepare students for success.
• Why investing in students is an economic strategy that strengthens local businesses, builds community equity and drives long-term growth.

Tune in to hear how collaboration is helping tomorrow’s workforce discover what’s possible right in their own backyard.

​​Links:

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority: https://fairfaxcountyeda.org/

Educate Fairfax: https://www.educatefairfax.org/

Fairfax County Public Schools: https://www.fcps.edu/

Think Big for Kids: https://thinkbigforkids.org/

More about Mike Batt

Mike Batt: https://thinkbigforkids.org/about-us/leadership/michael-batt/

Mike Batt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-batt-4a95b6201/

About host Jennie Treby

Jennie Treby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-treby/

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