MISSION
OBC fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration to develop innovative, practical tools that empower educators, employers, parents, administrators, and counselors to support all learners—from high academic achievers to those with other unique skills and talents valued in the workplace and in our communities. Our strategies enhance the capacity of professionals to guide all students, including those with disabilities, in shaping and pursuing the lives they choose. Through training, coaching, research, and networking, we close opportunity gaps and promote success in today’s workforce, ensuring every individual’s potential is recognized, nurtured and valued.
VISION
We envision a world where increased opportunities for people, throughout their life span, strengthen our communities and energize businesses. Our focus on career and college readiness, vocational preparation, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) supports students’ post high school success which may include higher education (or advanced technical training), or direct placement into positions that offer on-the-job training – all of which can lead to meaningful careers. By fully embracing this range of opportunities – and with the support and guidance of mentors, more career seekers will become contributors to our society in meaningful and beneficial ways.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Our founding members are George Tilson, Keith Bosco and Carol Burbank. Each of us brings a unique set of skills and experiences that spark synergy, encourage looking at challenges from unusual angles and promote collaborative solution building. We like to use tools and strategies that build practical supports for career-seekers and the people who support them. Innovative, interdisciplinary, and always learning, we believe a renewed focus on career readiness and life skills preparation is vital for all students and career coaches. The world needs qualified, evolving, and engaged workers to meet the constant change and growth in our workforce. Let's build bridges to success for all students! We invite you to explore with us.
George Tilson
George Tilson, Ed.D. views OBC as a platform for bringing together individuals with varied perspectives, experiences, and expertise to reflect on challenges and find innovative solutions across all facets of our society. Since 1975, he has served in a variety of roles, including public school language arts/special educator, career counselor, job placement specialist, program evaluator, project manager, university instructor, and consultant to stakeholder groups across education, human services and business. As a produced playwright, lyricist and composer, George has also explored the productive intersection between the arts and sciences.
"I've seen firsthand how connecting talent with the right opportunities can transform lives and strengthen communities."
“Anytime people with different life experiences come together, there is a natural tension. I like to think of that tension as a space that holds promise for industry as well as the communities of which we’re members.”
Keith Bosco
Keith Bosco sees OBC as an opportunity to bridge the gap between ideas and action. He brings creative thinking and practical employment resources to the table, with trainings and strategies that propel students, professionals, and programs forward. He is the Director of Operations for one of the largest supported employment providers in the state of Delaware.
In addition, he specializes in job development strategies and techniques, building relationships with employers and community partners, and setting/leading goals for job coaching and long term support. He has developed and grown transition partnerships to better serve students with disabilities and the professionals who support them. Finally, his career as a children’s book author and publisher grows out of his ability to communicate valuable lessons in simple terms, essential when supporting all learners as they work towards career and college readiness.Â
"The goal is to always be growing...
...Best practices today will be outdated tomorrow. We must be committed to changing and adapting with the times while standing firm on core values in order to achieve the best results.”
Carol Burbank. Ph.D.
Carol Burbank, Ph.D., sees OBC as a collaboration to build cutting edge new education and employment practices with sustainable strategies for creating communities of learning and possibility. She specializes in coaching, educational research, leadership development, and teaching, building bridges between theory and best practices in K-12, and university programs. Recently, she worked with the Delaware PIPEline for CTE to design curriculum, research, and trainings for CTE educators building opportunities for students with disabilities. Her creative projects include a personal development and mastery system, leadership and coaching programming and research, and a children’s book that helped K-3rd graders adapt to social distancing.
"It takes courage to face change...
...and explore new solutions that really make a difference. It also takes a supportive team that honors each person’s unique gifts. Anyone can be a real-world leader if they embrace experimentation, take risks, and learn new things in a community of passionate collaborators.”
