Representatives from universities, community colleges, technical colleges, K-12 school systems and business leaders along Alabama's I-85 Corridor have joined forces to create an Educational Services Cluster in conjunction with the I-85 Corridor Initiative.

The I-85 Corridor Initiative is a partnership among local government, private sector organizations and educational institutions committed to increasing the prosperity of communities along Interstate 85 in Alabama.

The Educational Services Cluster has formed two task forces to look at what services and products can be exported from this region and creating excellence in the region's K-20 educational system.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to work together to establish an educational focus in our region," said Interim Dean Frances Kochan, Auburn University College of Education. "The question that should be foremost in our minds is how can we come together to share our expertise and resources and make the entire region stronger."

Andrew Smith, OTF Group advisor and project leader, shared data with the group showing that regions that are highly dependent on exporting basic products are poor and regions dependent on "knowledge embedded" products are rich. To successfully export knowledge embedded products, the region must invest in its social capital: people, knowledge, institutions and culture.

"We need to open up the mind set about what education means to this region. Through existing educational institutions, are we creating the knowledge, human and cultural capital needed to win prosperity for the region? Are educational opportunities unique, not just excellent? Are we exporting the educational services that are developed in the region?" Smith asked.

During regular meetings, the Educational Services Cluster seeks to examine questions such as these in an effort to set long-term goals and outline strategic initiatives for the four universities, six technical colleges and 12 school systems that operate along the corridor. The goals and initiatives will support the mission of the cluster, which is to "create a regional network that aligns educational services that meet the needs of the public and private sector and creates an environment that allows students at all levels to compete effectively in the global marketplace."

The K-20 Excellence in Alabama task force will identify best practice programs in the region within the next six months and then share these best practices with all institutions along the corridor.

"It is our intent to review and identify the systems already in place and adopt best practices for utilization throughout the I-85 corridor. In essence it's a tuning up of what is in existence and sharing the knowledge for overall improvement," said Jerry Clement, vice president design-build, Batson-Cook Company, West Point, Ga.

The Exporting Services and Products task force will work with educators and experts in the social sciences to find ways to "productize" and export their intellectual property.  The task force, for example, would help workforce training institutions sell training programs to companies across the United States and help university professors sell curriculum to overseas markets.

"The Educational Services Cluster is an excellent opportunity for education professionals and business leaders to come together and offer students—whether secondary or post-secondary—the opportunity for career choices and give them a firm background through our collaboration," said Darin Baldwin, director of Career Technical Education, Chambers County Board of Education.

The Educational Services Cluster is dedicated to expanding its network of leadership in the region.  For more information about the Educational Services Cluster or to find ways to participate, please call the Auburn University College of Education at 844-4448.