Education Network Group
Wichita Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
In an effort to establish more partnerships with educational professionals in Wichita, the Wichita Public Library created a local education networking group that meets once a month for a lunch-and-learn program. The monthly programs bring together professionals working in community education, adult education, workforce training, and parent education to network with each other and learn more about educational opportunities at the Library and in the community.
Challenge/Opportunity
Several professional networking groups exist in Wichita for various professions, but no networking group exists for professionals in adult education, community education, secondary education, and workforce training.
Key Elements of Innovation
The monthly networking lunches include time for education professionals to meet each other and discuss their projects, programs, challenges, and successes. Each luncheon also includes a short presentation that introduces attendees to different education resources, services, and opportunities in the community. For example, the Library gave a presentation on LinkedIn Learning and how it can be used by different education groups to fulfill skill-building requirements.
Achieved Outcomes
Because Wichita Public Library formed and leads this group, it helps solidify the library’s role as an educational cornerstone of the community. The events have created connections between different organizations that have resulted in collaborative partnerships and projects.
