Strategy: Develop and maintain a resource which lists all life-long learning opportunities (formal and informal) in Richland County

Who, what, when, how?

1. Advertise that the Sidney Library and Job Service proctor exams for any college or anything, for free.

Will be done through the wiki, other channels are possible.

2. Create a resource website linked to library links on county site, job service, schools.

The Sidney Public Library is developing and hosting a wiki resource that providers of life-long learning opportunities can update to share information with community members.

3. Publicize and distribute this resource so that it becomes a “one-stop” place to both advertise and learn about LLL opportunities.

Strategy: Create a life-long learning center.

1. Develop and maintain a wiki website which will serve as a virtual life-long learning center, providing information and support to individuals, businesses and providers.

The Sidney Public Library is developing and hosting this wiki.

Strategy: Increase the accessibility of life-long learning opportunities in the county

1. Dawson County College, Job Service, Sidney Library and other organizations to partner to hold classes in Richland County.

This is an on-going partnership. Job Service works with a regional Community Management Team of service providers to bring in opportunities from Dawson County and other areas.

2. Identify other colleges that may be interested in coming to Richland County such as Williston or bringing resources through the MSU Extension office.
   

3. Tie in lifelong learning opportunities with the newly created higher education opportunities.

The MSU Extension Office, Job Service and Sidney Public Library are collaborating to do this through the Life-Long Learning Action Group.

Strategy: Determine which trainings and other learning opportunities are needed and recruit more members

1. Create and distribute a survey which assesses needs, wants and accessibility issues for individuals and businesses

The Life-Long Learning Group is helping Job Service and the Sidney Public Library develop this survey.

2. Establish BEAR (Business Expansion and Retention) as a resource for county businesses

3. Encourage collaboration between local businesses, organizations and service providers so they can share trainings and other resources

The Community Management Team and JSEC meet regularly with this goal.