$750 million invested in skills and innovation

Denver, Colorado– In recognition of Brazil’s emergence as the sixth-largest economy in the world and its significant investments in education, more than 100 Colorado leaders from higher education, business, government, and philanthropy gathered on October 23^rd at the Denver branch of the Federal Reserve for “Brazil Day.”

Sergio Moreira, Director of Education and Technology for the Brazilian Confederation of Industry/SENAI and SESI, discussed Brazil’s growing investment in education.  “It will take 20 years for Brazil to develop the workforce we need; we are making the necessary investments today,” said Mr. Moreira. “The National Industrial Apprenticeship Service (SENAI) and The Brazilian Social Services for Industry (SESI) are  investing R$1.5 billion (US$750 million) to create 23 new Innovation Institutes designed to support business innovation and research in Brazil. Additionally, Brazil’s Science Without Borders Initiative is sending 100,000 students for study abroad, focused on science, technology, and innovation.”

The event also included 35 Brazilian and U.S. students focused on global connections, technology, and innovation.  Mary Gershwin, president of US-Brazil Connect, highlighted the significance of their presence. “We are here today with inspired students from Brazil and the U.S. who will bring Colorado and Brazil closer together for mutual benefit and greater opportunity. This is great news, but we must also acknowledge a disturbing reality,” she said.  “While emerging economies such as Brazil are investing billions in education of the next generation, public funding for community colleges in Colorado has declined 41% since 2001. The presence of these Brazilian students reminds us that Brazil’s leaders in industry and government are making a focused commitment in the next generation.  If the U.S. is to keep pace, we must reverse the current trend of declining investment in community college and technical education.”

Proclaimed by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, “Brazil Day” celebrates the WORLD CONNECT/US-BRAZIL PARTNERSHIP FOR SKILLS program created by US-Brazil Connect, the Brazilian Confederation of Industry, Brazil’s SENAI and SESI Educational Systems, and Red Rocks, Houston, and Jackson Community Colleges.  Now in its second year, the program is engaging hundreds of students in Brazil and the United States in leadership development and education.

Featured speakers at the event included Mario Hernandez, Director of Public Affairs, Western Union; Michele Haney, President, Red Rocks Community College; Eleanor Allen, Senior Vice President, CH2M HILL; and Inta Morris, StudyColorado, Colorado Department of Higher Education.

The event was made possible by the sponsorship of Western Union, Pearson, and Colorado Partners of the Americas.

Hosting organizations included US-Brazil Connect, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Red Rocks Community College, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, Colorado Partners of the Americas, and World Trade Center Denver

About the Organizations

US-Brazil Connect 
US-Brazil Connect seeks to strengthen education and build economic opportunities by connecting communities, engaging leaders, and creating transformational learning experiences linking the United States and Brazil. An initiative of the non-profit, Business Champions, US-Brazil Connect has worked to strengthen workforce quality with hundreds of US community colleges, leading U.S. foundations, the U.S. embassy in Brazil, and a broad range of Brazilian partners in education and the private sector.

CNI, SENAI, and SESI 

US-Brazil Connect is partnered with the Brazilian organizations CNI, SENAI, and SESI.   The Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) is the preeminent Brazilian industry association, representing over 350,000 industry establishments. CNI is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the National Service for Industrial Apprenticeship (SENAI), which provides education and training to nearly 3 million Brazilian professionals each year. As part of the Brazilian Industry System, the Social Service of Industry (SESI) promotes social welfare, cultural development, and improved quality of life of workers in participating industries and their communities. Through its national network, SESI provided education to over 1.7 million Brazilians in 2010.