Delaware News

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Preparing All of Our Students for Success in College and Life

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Date Posted: Friday, July 22, 2016



All Delaware students deserve the chance to make the most of their talents in an economy that requires a higher level of skill than ever before. Thanks to the hard work of many educators and administrators, we are getting closer to that goal, from vast improvement in access to high quality early childhood programs, to record high school graduation rates. And after just two years, our Pathways to Prosperity program is giving thousands of students the opportunity to earn college credit and workplace experience in high-demand industries like IT, engineering, and health care.

That’s all important progress, but we must also remain focused on an obstacle preventing young people nationwide from reaching their potential. We have too many students who work hard to meet college entry requirements, and yet when their coursework begins, they find themselves behind. That creates the need to take remedial courses that cost money and create more debt, but don’t result in college credit. It’s no surprise that these students are far less likely to graduate or earn a professional credential. It’s why I’m excited and grateful that Delaware has won a $250,000 grant from the nonprofit USA Funds to address this challenge. We’ll establish a course for juniors who aren’t on track to graduate with the writing and reading skills needed in college and the workplace. They’ll complete a year-long class or receive individualized instruction to catch up by their senior year and, if they choose to pursue a 2 or 4-year degree, they will be ready for college-level classes on day one. This effort builds on a similar program we started in math two years ago. By ensuring all of our students get the support to graduate with the writing and comprehension abilities vital in our knowledge-based economy, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

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Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

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Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Preparing All of Our Students for Success in College and Life

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Date Posted: Friday, July 22, 2016



All Delaware students deserve the chance to make the most of their talents in an economy that requires a higher level of skill than ever before. Thanks to the hard work of many educators and administrators, we are getting closer to that goal, from vast improvement in access to high quality early childhood programs, to record high school graduation rates. And after just two years, our Pathways to Prosperity program is giving thousands of students the opportunity to earn college credit and workplace experience in high-demand industries like IT, engineering, and health care.

That’s all important progress, but we must also remain focused on an obstacle preventing young people nationwide from reaching their potential. We have too many students who work hard to meet college entry requirements, and yet when their coursework begins, they find themselves behind. That creates the need to take remedial courses that cost money and create more debt, but don’t result in college credit. It’s no surprise that these students are far less likely to graduate or earn a professional credential. It’s why I’m excited and grateful that Delaware has won a $250,000 grant from the nonprofit USA Funds to address this challenge. We’ll establish a course for juniors who aren’t on track to graduate with the writing and reading skills needed in college and the workplace. They’ll complete a year-long class or receive individualized instruction to catch up by their senior year and, if they choose to pursue a 2 or 4-year degree, they will be ready for college-level classes on day one. This effort builds on a similar program we started in math two years ago. By ensuring all of our students get the support to graduate with the writing and comprehension abilities vital in our knowledge-based economy, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.