ANN ARBOR – The second Encore Career Forum convened by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center and other partnering organizations on Aug. 22 will explore options for purpose-driven work in education, health care, nonprofits, small business and social entrepreneurship.

Washtenaw Community College was one of 10 community colleges nation-wide, and the only one in Michigan, to receive a grant from Civic Ventures and the MetLife Foundation. The grant will be used to support the MI-SBTDC?s efforts to educate the community about Encore Careers and the many options available.

Encore Careers are undertaken later in life with an emphasis on ?purpose-driven? work or giving back to the community, rather than being focused solely on financial or professional gain. Encore Careers can include any of the helping professions, all aspects of nonprofit work, social entrepreneurship, and private sector entrepreneurship with a social purpose component. Recent research indicates that upwards of half of all baby boomers are interested in using their talents and experiences to give back to their communities in meaningful ways.

Encore Careers are an especially timely topic in Michigan, because thousands of highly skilled workers are facing voluntary or forced mid-career transitions or greatly diminished prospects in their chosen fields. Encore Careers allow skilled people to continue to work and contribute to their community.

The MI-SBTDC @ WCC believes that people who are interested in an Encore Career will take an entrepreneurial perspective on creating their own unique opportunity and this event is designed to help them do that.

The Forum will have lively presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Attendees will be encouraged to gather information from a variety of educational institutions, training providers, service agencies and others to explore their options for this exciting and rewarding phase of life.

Encore Career Forum

Friday, August 22, 2008

Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building

8:30 am ? 3 pm

$15 registration fee (includes lunch)

Register online on the Calendar of Training at misbtdc.org

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