Mekong - U.S. Partnership
A key networking and knowledge-sharing event of the MekongSkills2Work Network, the Leadership Summit brought together 60 educators, private sector representatives, government officials, and other partners from the Lower Mekong region for two days to share experiences in implementing COMET's signature MekongSkills2Work model. The MekongSkills2Work model aims to strengthen youth employment through innovative classroom instruction focused on developing soft skills combined with increased exposure to the work world through internships and the use of technology.
The Leadership Summit provided an opportunity for COMET academic leadership institutions — the Mekong Learning Centers — to highlight successes and lessons learned in their particular areas of expertise: innovation challenges, industry partnerships, work-based learning, innovative instruction, professional development, and institutionalization (making change stick). Project partners Intel and Cisco shared their experience in building learning communities and in inspiring young women to turn their passion for technology into rewarding STEM careers. Roundtable discussions on day two provided an opportunity for country-level discussions between the Mekong Learning Centers and their government representatives and industry partners on strategies to sustain and grow the MekongSkills2Work Network. Participants left empowered with new ideas and new connections to maximize impact in their efforts to equip youth with the skills they need in the 21st Century workplace.
