In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, special guest host Ricardo Villalobos talks with Grant McCandless, the President & CEO of Social Impact Consultants. Grant’s journey from Texas A&M graduate to research and consulting specialist showcases his dedication to service and community impact. With early career experience at Price Waterhouse in Germany and later as a director at RCG Economics, Grant developed his skills in economic research.
 
His current work in Nevada focuses on supporting disconnected youth—those who are neither working nor in school—drawing inspiration from Deepak Chopra's belief in serving the world through unique talents. Grant emphasizes that investing in youth is not only economically beneficial but also the right thing to do, as their success positively impacts their families and communities.

The discussion highlights the ambitious "30K by 2030" initiative, which aims to connect 30,000 young people to the workforce by 2030. By investing in this demographic, Nevada could potentially realize an impressive $12 billion in economic growth and $4 billion in cost savings. However, with approximately 42,500 disconnected youth currently in the state, existing funding through organizations like Workforce Connections can only support around 1,000 individuals. This underscores the urgent need for collective action from policymakers, funders, and community members, including Workforce Connections, to address this pressing issue effectively.

Grant offers insightful advice for young people, urging them to view their careers as opportunities for growth and to remain resilient in pursuing their passions. He stresses that investing in youth today is crucial not only for their future but also for the prosperity of the entire community. Both he and Ricardo highlight the importance of a collaborative approach to creating positive change and fostering a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

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