State investing more than $438,000 in preparing youth in key industries

GEORGETOWN, Del. – Governor Carney on Wednesday announced more than $438,000 in federal grants to expand high school career pathway programs. The statewide Delaware Pathways initiative aims to prepare all students to excel in key fields that offer good job opportunities in today’s economy.

Governor Carney joined Sussex Technical High School students and administrators in the school’s automotive technology shop to announce the 42 awards, which will benefit 20 districts or charter schools across the state. Sussex Tech is using its grant to support its new automotive technology career pathway, which provides youth with the opportunity to earn a pre-apprenticeship certificate from the Delaware Department of Labor, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) ASE entry level certification, and the ASE G1 certification as well as college credits through Delaware Technical & Community College. This type of pre-apprenticeship program is the first such offering in Delaware.

“Expanding our Pathways programs will help more Delaware students prepare for successful careers, and help Delaware compete in an economy that is changing every day,” said Governor Carney. “We remain focused on making sure that all Delaware students have an opportunity to succeed, and to contribute to our state’s success. Skills training programs like those offered at Sussex Tech and at districts and charters statewide will help us achieve those goals, and I am excited to announce this new step forward today.”

“IG Burton is excited to partner with the state and our school districts to expand relationships with employers and ensure youth have the opportunity to apply their skills in the workplace. These partnerships help students graduate with the skills Delaware’s employers need in the workplace,” said Lester Guyer, Assistant Service Director at IG Burton. “Congratulations to Sussex Tech for helping to grow our auto industry – and for helping youth build the automotive technology skills needed to be employed through classroom instruction and work-based learning experiences.”

Grant funds are used by school districts and charter schools to implement career and technical education programs as part of a larger state effort to connect our public education system, post-secondary institutions, and employers. Students take hundreds of hours of specialized instruction and hands-on training in their pathways, giving them the opportunity to graduate with work experience, college credit, and industry credentials that are relevant to those industries. As a result, students receive a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.

The Governor’s Delaware Pathways program currently serves more than 12,000 students enrolled in 20 career pathways programs across 16 comprehensive school districts, three technical school districts, and 10 charter districts, in addition to serving youth at Cleveland White and the Ferris School.

By 2020 Delaware aims to enroll more than 20,000 students—half of the state’s public grade 9-12 population—in career pathways that lead to in-demand jobs—and will work across secondary and postsecondary education systems so that more than 7,500 students are actively engaged in work-based learning placements in partnership with Delaware employers.

Pathways are developed in partnership with Delaware employers and institutions of higher education. The Department of Education provides curriculum support for each pathway as well as training for teachers to successfully implement the coursework. In addition, the department is working with Delaware colleges and universities so students who complete the new programs will be eligible for college credit at one or more institutions of higher education in the state.

“We are fortunate in Delaware to have public and private partners working together to support our youth, such collaboration includes the alignment of supports across cabinet agencies for students from low-income families and students with disabilities as well as the purposeful integration of community-based organizations so that out-of-school learning connects to students’ education and career interests,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Susan Bunting.

School districts use funding in a variety of ways to support students and staff, and to provide the services and materials required to offer advanced coursework and hands-on training opportunities with Delaware employers.

“Sussex Tech students gain practical, real-world experience in one of 18 different fields, preparing them to be career- and college-ready,” said Sussex Technical School District Superintendent Stephen Guthrie. “They need cutting-edge tools, software and technology to learn and practice professional skills that they can immediately apply in the workforce.”

###

New Pathway Grant Awards Beginning in School Year 2018-19

Appoquinimink

Appoquinimink High School – Animal Science and Management

Appoquinimink High School – Digital Communication Technology

Appoquinimink High School – Plant Science

Middletown High School – Animal Science and Management

Middletown High School – Digital Communication Technology

Middletown High School – Plant Science

Brandywine

Brandywine High School – Early Childhood Education Teacher Academy

Concord High School – Early Childhood Education Teacher Academy

Mt. Pleasant High School – Early Childhood Education Teacher Academy

Caesar Rodney

Caesar Rodney High School – Animal Science and Management

Caesar Rodney High School – Digital Communication Technology

Cape Henlopen

Cape Henlopen High School – Animal Science and Management

Cape Henlopen High School – Natural Resource Management

Capital

Dover High School – Agricultural Power and Engineering

Christina

Christiana High School – Agricultural Power and Engineering

Glasgow High School – Academy of Business Information Management

Colonial

William Penn High School – Plant Science

Delmar

Delmar High School – Animal Science and Management

Delmar High School – Digital Communication Technology

Delmar High School – Plant Science

Lake Forest

Lake Forest High School – Academy of Business Information Management

Lake Forest High School – Plant Science

Lake Forest High School – Public and Community Health

Milford

Milford High School – Animal Science and Management

New Castle County Vocational Technology

Delcastle High School – Automotive Technology

Hodgson High School – Automotive Technology

Howard High School – Automotive Technology

St. Georges High School – Automotive Technology

Polytech

Polytech High School – Automotive Technology

Red Clay

AI Dupont High School – Architecture Engineering Technology

AI Dupont High School – Digital Communication Technology

Cab Calloway School of Arts – Digital Communication Technology

McKean High School – Animal Science and Management

McKean High School – Automotive Technology

McKean High School – Plant Science

Seaford

Seaford High School – Digital Communication Technology

Smyrna

Smyrna High School – Natural Resource Management

Smyrna High School – Plant Science

Sussex Academy

Sussex Academy – Digital Communication Technology

Sussex Tech

Sussex Technical High School – Automotive Technology

Woodbridge

Woodbridge High School – Animal Science and Management

New and Expanded Pathways

Academy of Business Information Management

The NAF Academy of Business Information Management introduces students to the skills needed to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate business functions essential to business operations through courses focusing on entrepreneurship, global and domestic economics, information technology, customer service, and ethics. Students gain critical career knowledge through a series of work-based learning activities that are conducted in school as well as outside the classroom. These activities may include, but are not limited to, job shadowing, mock interviews, and resume writing workshops. In addition, a paid 120-hour summer internship is designed to be included as part of the program.

Agricultural Power and Engineering

The Agricultural Power and Engineering program of study provides students with the mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles and methods required to understand dynamic power systems and metal fabrication. Students practice real world applications, communication skills, and problem solving skills associated with dynamic power systems and metal fabrication. Students are prepared for a variety of careers including engineering, welding technicians, mechanical and industrial technicians, maintenance technicians, mechanical engineering, metal fabrication, CNC operators, power technology repair and troubleshooting, and green energy technologies.

Agricultural Structures and Engineering

The Agricultural Structures and Engineering program of study provides students with the scientific principles and methods required to understand the interrelationships of construction. Students practice real world applications and problem solving skills associated with agricultural designs and engineering principles. Students utilize problem solving, as well as communication skills to develop engineering concepts and building practices that are sound and reliable. The program prepares students for a variety of careers including carpentry, engineering, architectural design, electrical, plumbing, masonry, construction framing, business management, sales, building maintenance, home improvement, and green energy technologies.

Animal Science & Management

The Animal Science & Management program explores: animal production and management, physical restraint and handling, conducting health exams, evaluation of behavior, principles of genetics and reproduction, animal selection through evaluation, anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, basic veterinary practices, global food systems, ethics of food animal production, and current agricultural issues in order to foster an understanding of the steps involved in producing and marketing products for consumers. Students practice decision-making and research skills through classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and practical experiences.

Architectural Engineering Technology

The Architectural Engineering Technology program of study engages students in the world of construction and architecture through coursework focusing on site selection, drafting, architecture, and engineering planning, budgeting, cost estimating, and project management. Students utilize strategies to solve open-ended problems while they learn how to apply technical skills, knowledge, documentation techniques, and processes using modern, industry-leading technology and software. Work-based learning experiences and industry-mentored projects will introduce students to a wide array of careers such as architects, civil engineers, construction management, cost estimators, and drafters.

Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology program of study provides students with the mathematical, scientific, and mechanical knowledge to understand and perform the maintenance, repair and servicing of automotive vehicles. Students participating in this pre-apprenticeship program will be prepared to enter into a Delaware Department of Labor Automotive Technician Tech C Registered Apprenticeship program.

Digital Communications Technology

The Digital Communication Technology (DCT) program of study requires students to apply the skills and tools of digital designers used in graphic design, pixel-based imagery manipulation, HTML coding, digital video production, vector image manipulation, digital illustration, and digital publishing. Students utilize strategies to solve open-ended problems while learning how to apply technical skills, creative skills, industry knowledge, documentation techniques, and processes using modern, industry-leading technology and software.

Early Childhood Teacher Academy

The Early Childhood Teacher Academy program of study prepares students for careers in an early childhood setting. The program engages students in developing a realistic understanding of early childhood education while exploring the importance and impact of teachers as well as the uniqueness of early childhood development. Observation opportunities including special needs and non-classroom settings, provide practical experiences to enrich the learning.

Natural Resource Management

The Natural Resource Management program of study is designed to provide students with exposure to topics in conservation management and maintenance of natural resources. Students learn responsible stewardship practices of air, soil, water, land, fish, and wildlife resources for economic, recreation, and health purposes. Students utilize a variety of classroom and laboratory activities supplemented through supervised agricultural experiences and leadership programs and activities.

Plant Science

The Plant Science program of study is designed to provide students with knowledge of plant growth and reproduction, as well as the use of plants for food, fiber, and ornamental purposes. The program prepares students for a variety of careers in: agronomy, ornamental horticulture, biotechnology, forestry, soil science, and turf management.

Public & Community Health

The Public & Community Health program of study engages students in a comprehensive approach to health. Students learn the history of public and community health as well as examine complex public health problems, major theories of disease etiology and intervention. Students explore public health issues related to epidemiology, mental health, disabilities, and substance abuse.

Print