The past five years have been a time of disruption to everyday life that allowed for evaluation of existing systems and exploration of new possibilities. For the founders of Mickey’s Popcorn, this time allowed what started as a dream to evolve into a thriving business with a strong social impact mission that prioritizes work-based learning for maximum community impact.
In this interview, Dr. Penny Smith-Mickey shares the story behind Mickey’s Popcorn, its commitment to workforce development, and how the company scaled into a growing enterprise leveraging apprenticeships. As a small business, Mickey’s Popcorn is a shining example of how employers can use skills-based practices to drive value for their business and employees.
About the Author
Chelsea Miller is the associate director of UpSkill America, an initiative of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program.
Before joining the Institute in September 2024, Chelsea spent five years helping develop and lead the largest employer education benefit program in the US, Live Better U. Leading communications, policy, and portfolio strategy Chelsea made sure access to education was a reason Walmart made the Forbes Change the World list every year since 2018.
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UpSkill America supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers. We seek to create a movement of employers, civic organizations, workforce intermediaries, and policymakers working collaboratively to implement education, training, and development strategies that result in better jobs and opportunities for front-line workers, more competitive businesses, and stronger communities. Follow us at www.upskillamerica.org and
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The Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. Follow us on social media and join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on publications, blog posts, events, and other announcements.
