SkillsUSA Students Earn National Recognition

Delaware students recently brought home awards from a national SkillsUSA leadership conference.

Forty-one Delaware SkillsUSA high school students joined more than 16,000 participants in the 2023 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. Students participated in events involving construction trades, video broadcasting, graphic arts, automotive trades, and leadership skills. Four students placed in the top 10, and 11 students received Skill Point awards, which represent the pinnacle of achievement in demonstrating proficiency and workplace readiness in a student’s occupational specialty. In addition, Delaware was recognized by the National SkillsUSA office for having the largest high school membership percentage increase and the largest overall membership percentage increase for the 2022-2023 school year.

The advisers and students, who were for the majority rising juniors, returned energized from Atlanta. They are ready to engage and help grow SkillsUSA in Delaware and allow our students the opportunity to participate in the best job interview in the world.

SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization that empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. Its vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success.

The SkillsUSA National Championships are career competition events showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. Through an investment from business and industry partners of about $36 million, the event occupies a space equivalent to 31 football fields or 41 acres.

Student name	High School	Skill Area	Award	Certificate
Vincent DeLuca	Delcastle	HVAC	Top 10
Kaiden Brown	Delcastle	Aviation Maintenance Technology	Top 10
Noelle Evans	Delcastle	Screen Printing Technology	Top 10	SkillPoint Certificate
Clinton Bertollo	Delcastle	Sheet Metal	Top 10	SkillPoint Certificate
Abigiail Rife	Delcastle	T-Shirt Design		SkillPoint Certificate
Claire Austin	Polytech	Audio-Radio Production		SkillPoint Certificate
Sophia Cooper	Polytech	Audio-Radio Production		SkillPoint Certificate
Jackson Garret	Polytech	Cabinetmaking		SkillPoint Certificate
Rebekka Cullen	Sussex Tech	Pin Design		SkillPoint Certificate
Kiara Davis	Sussex Tech	Video News Production		SkillPoint Certificate
Pipe Drace	Sussex Tech	Video News Production		SkillPoint Certificate
Ciara Gustin	Sussex Tech	Video News Production		SkillPoint Certificate
McKinley Stokley	Sussex Tech	Video News Production		SkillPoint Certificate

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Business Students Win State Honors

Business students from across Delaware won state awards at last month’s Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference.

About 360 high school business students from 20 high schools in the state participated in the conference at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, competing in 52 events in the categories of management; marketing and communications; digital communications and design; management information systems; business administration; and finance. Students also campaigned for the state officer leadership team.

About 260 business students from 20 middle schools statewide also participated. The middle level students competed in 15 events.

Find a list of state qualifiers here and here.

Students were recognized Friday at the 2023 Business Professionals of America, Delaware Association Awards Ceremony. The ceremony culminated with the celebration of leadership, recognition of community services, and the presentation of the 2023– 2024 State Officer Leadership Team with school representatives and families in attendance.

The following student members were elected to serve on the State Officer Leadership Team for 2023 – 2024:

President – Jennae Overton from Middletown High School (Appoquinimink School District)
Vice President – Kinga Gul from Newark Charter High School (charter)
Secretary – Manushri Gupta from MOT Charter High School (charter)
Middle Level Representative – Anusha Sarwadi from Alfred G. Waters Middle School (Appoquinimink School District)

The Secondary Advisor of the Year was Jeffrey Bunting of Indian River High School in the Indian River School District. Jennifer Rhudd, formerly of Kirk Middle School, received the Honorary Life Award. The State Professional Cup is awarded to the chapter from each division most actively involved in Special Recognition and Torch Awards. This year’s recipient of the Middle Level Professional Cup is Mariner Middle School in Cape Henlopen School District and the Secondary Level Professional Cup is Cape Henlopen High School.

State Auditor Lydia York and state Rep. Michael Smith served as judges.

Gold sponsor JP Morgan Chase is represented on the Board of Directors and contributed about 35 judge volunteers including Managing Directors Glen McFarlane and Jamal Brown as well as a $1,500 award to the 1st place Website Design Team from Newark Charter High School (Kinga Gul, Alanna Denault, Natalie Keach and Srujan Yamali).

In addition, about 40 BPA members submitted more than 70 logo designs for the JPMC Design Challenge. Four winners were selected: Srinidhi Kotteswaran, Daniel La Rose, Rajat Bhaskaran, and Leo Yan. Each student received a $75 Amazon gift card, certificate, and an opportunity to meet a User Experience designer at JPMC to get a closer look at building a brand from scratch.

BPA is a leading Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields. For more information, please visit the BPA Web site at www.bpa.org or contact Lisa Wilson, Delaware BPA State Advisor at lisa.wilson@doe.k12.de.us.

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

DDOE, DuPont and Discovery Education Launch First-of-Its-Kind Partnership Supporting STEM, CTE Statewide

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), DuPont (NYSE: DD) and Discovery Education today announced a new, first-of-its-kind partnership that will increase student access to high-quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) instructional resources, as well as instructional materials and other supports to enhance career and technical education programs across the state. The three-year partnership program directly supports the Delaware Pathways initiative — an innovative effort helping students develop the academic, technical, and employability skills needed for successful, in-demand jobs across Delaware.

“Acquiring academic knowledge, technical skills, and meaningful work experience gives students the freedom to choose their life’s path,” said Delaware Secretary of Education Susan Bunting. “This new partnership provides Delaware students an even better opportunity to develop the skills needed for the careers of tomorrow. Thus, I look forward to supporting the progress of this exciting new collaboration.”

“Connecting what is being taught in the classroom to Delaware employers is critical,” said Luke Rhine, Director, Career & Technical Education and STEM Initiatives at the Delaware Department of Education. “The resources provided through this partnership will support middle school and high school teachers as they build bridges between classrooms and careers for all students. We are thankful for partners like DuPont who share our goals related to STEM- and career-focused education.”

DuPont is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people everywhere, inspiring and cultivating the next generation of problem solvers, innovative thinkers, and lifelong learners that fuel discovery. Through this partnership, DuPont is taking a leadership role helping to develop a stronger, more diverse, equitable and inclusive talent pipeline to fill critically needed STEM jobs across the U.S. This partnership also builds on the company’s long-standing support of increasing access to STEM education programs that provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning in elementary to post-doctoral classrooms, and the professional learning needed for educators to make these efforts possible.

“DuPont is proud to fully fund this new initiative benefiting the Delaware communities we call home,” said Jon Kemp, President, DuPont Electronics & Industrial. “Together with the Delaware Department of Education and Discovery Education, we are creating not only more equitable learning environments in which all students have access to the resources and experiences they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond, but also a deeper, more diverse pool of talent that will drive economic prosperity across Delaware. We are excited to get started on this important work!”

Supporting this partnership is Discovery Education’s K-12 daily learning platform. Facilitating engaging instruction in the classroom, remote environment, after school programs or wherever learning is taking place, Discovery Education connects students and teachers to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, and more. These resources, sourced from trusted partners are made available to Delaware’s educators and students through Schoology, which is the statewide learning management system, and are aligned to state and national standards to help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.

As part of this new partnership, Delaware’s educators will also receive ongoing professional learning designed to help them realize the return on this education technology investment and connect them to the broader Discovery Education Community. This global community of education professionals connects members in school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.

DuPont’s support of Delaware Pathways is part of its commitment as the newest member of the STEM Careers Coalition (SCC). The Coalition unites a range of industries around the common goals of empowering educators to teach STEM effectively in the classroom, fostering and promoting quality education, and building the next generation of STEM solution-seekers with an intentional focus on fostering and improving racial and gender equity. The STEM Careers Coalition seeks to prepare 10 million students for the future of work by 2025 through equitable access to digital content and experiences that engage students in instruction, build foundational STEM knowledge, and develop the critical skills students need for college and career success.

“Discovery Education looks forward to collaborating closely with the Delaware Department of Education and DuPont on this exciting new initiative benefiting all middle school and high school students across the state,” said Scott Kinney, Discovery Education’s Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we are providing the resources that Delaware’s teachers need to provide students personalized learning pathways to fulfill their educational goals and career aspirations.”

Delaware educators can find out more about accessing the new resources available through this partnership by emailing deleducators@Discoveryed.com.

About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 140 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Delaware Pathways
Delaware Pathways is an education to employment partnership, connecting young people and employers. The program currently serves more than 55 percent of all youth in grades 9 to 12 across the State of Delaware offering young people the opportunity to earn college credit, industry recognized credentials, and relevant work experiences through in-demand career pathways that connect k12, higher education, and the workforce. The initiative is also working to expand the state’s registered apprenticeship system through youth apprenticeship models and is working with higher education partners to expand credential and degree opportunities for youth and adult learners. The program centers student identity and empowerment within the context of a high-quality education system, caring community partners, and dedicated employers. For more information please visit: https://delawarepathways.org/.

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DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.

11/22/21

Media Contacts:

Stephen Wakefield
Discovery Education
(202) 316-6615
swakefield@discoveryed.com

Dan Turner
DuPont
(302) 299-7628
daniel.a.turner@dupont.com

Alison May
Delaware Department of Education
(302) 735-4006
alison.may@doe.k12.de.us

Grants to expand high school career pathways programs

Secretary of Education Susan Bunting today announced more than $458,000 in federal grants to expand high school career pathway programs and to support all youth in their pursuit of college and career-readiness coursework. The statewide Delaware Pathways initiative aims to prepare all students to excel in key industries that offer good jobs in today’s economy.

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 career pathways, giving them the opportunity to graduate high school with work experiences, college credits, and industry credentials that are relevant to those industries. As a result, students receive a head start on getting a job and earning a postsecondary credential or degree.

Bunting joined Capital Superintendent Dan Shelton to meet with students and administrators at Dover High School to announce the 51 grant awards, which benefit 17 school districts or charter schools across the state. Capital’s Dover High School is using its grant award to support the PIPEline to Career Success Project for students with disabilities. The project supports students with disabilities to enter into high-quality career pathways, graduate from high school, and transition into postsecondary education and employment.

“Dover High School’s program is a prime example of the kind of investments we must make so every student graduates from our schools prepared for success,” Bunting said. “Delaware has public and private partners working together. They are collaborating on the alignment of supports across state agencies for students from low-income families and students with disabilities and on integrating community-based organizations so that out-of-school learning connects to students’ education and career interests.”

The Delaware Pathways program currently serves more than 16,000 students enrolled in 26 career pathways programs across 16 comprehensive school districts, three technical school districts, and 11 charter schools, 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.

“Delaware’s Pathways programs help connect young Delawareans to skills that are demanded in today’s workforce and help put them on a path to a well-paying career,” Governor John Carney said. “Investing in our workforce and quality skills training also helps strengthen our economy over the long run by making sure Delaware has skilled workers for jobs that are available. This new funding will help us continue and expand that important work.”

Added, U.S. Senator Tom Carper: “Today, thousands of jobs are going unfilled because we do not have the people with the right skills to support them. The Delaware Pathways program aims to end that shortage by finding the skills that our employers need and creating programs in our classrooms that properly prepare students for the workforce. I always say the best thing you can do for someone is help them find a job, and providing modern training and connecting students with employers is a smart way to ensure they will be employable when they enter the workforce.”

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 these programs are eligible for college credit at one or more institutions of higher education in the state.

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

“We are so pleased that we will once again be able to expand and focus on our workforce development efforts,” Capital Superintendent Shelton said. “Our career and technical programs are a central key to our students being prepared for college or entering the workforce after high school. Having students who graduate high school already possessing technical certifications and many also having already earned college credits through our articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions, gives our students the skill they need and a leg up on their future careers.”

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New Pathway Grant Awards

Appoquinimink

Appoquinimink LEA – PIPEline to Career Success Project

Appoquinimink LEA – Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth

Appoquinimink High School – Computer Science

Middletown High School – Computer Science

Middletown High School – Natural Resource Management

Odessa High School – Animal Science and Management

Odessa High School – Computer Science

Odessa High School – Digital Comm. Technology

Odessa High School – Natural Resource Management.

Odessa High School – Plant Science

Brandywine

Brandywine LEA – National Alliance for Partners in Equity—Gender Equity Project

Brandywine LEA – Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth

Brandywine High School – Marketing Today

Concord High School – Marketing Today

Mount Pleasant High School – Digital Communications Technology

Mount Pleasant High School – Marketing Today

Caesar Rodney

Caesar Rodney High School – Marketing Today

Cape Henlopen

Cape Henlopen High School – Fashion and Apparel

Capital

Capital LEA – PIPEline to Career Success Project

Christina

Christiana High School – Animal Science and Management.

Christiana High School – Fashion and Apparel

Christiana High School – Marketing Today

Colonial

Colonial LEA – PIPEline to Career Success Project

Colonial LEA – Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth

William Penn High School – Animal Science and Management

William Penn High School – Digital Comm. Technology

William Penn High School – Marketing Today

Lake Forest

Lake Forest High School – Animal Science and Management

Lake Forest High School – Digital Communications Technology

Laurel

Laurel LEA – PIPEline to Career Success Project

Milford

Milford LEA – Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth

Milford High School – Digital Communications Technology

Milford High School – Plant Science

New Castle County Vocational Technology

Delcastle High School – Computer Science

St. Georges High School – Computer Science

Newark Charter

Newark Charter School – Marketing Today

Red Clay

Red Clay LEA – Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth

AI Dupont High School – Marketing Today

Smyrna

Smyrna LEA – PIPEline to Career Success Project

Smyrna LEA – Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth

Smyrna High School – Culinary and Hospitality Management

Smyrna High School – Digital Communications Technology

Smyrna High School – Marketing Today

Sussex Tech

Sussex Tech LEA – Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth

Woodbridge

Woodbridge High School – Plant Science

New and Expanded Pathways

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.

Computer Science

The Computer Science program of study helps students to develop analytical thinking and problem solving skills as well as algebraic reasoning and quantitate analysis necessary for careers in computer science, programming, and IT.

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.

Fashion & Apparel

The Fashion & Apparel program of study prepares students for entry level employment in the industry. Students learn construction skills for application in design including color, proportion and fit. Science principles are used to help students understand fibers to better determine appropriate application. Fashion business including the economic impact of the industry as well as marketing and management are studied. The program prepares students for careers such as store manager, fashion designer, assistant buyer, visual merchandiser.

Marketing Today

The Marketing Today program of study engages students with the world of marketing services by focusing on how marketing is evolving in the digital age and how companies can be successful by implementing marketing strategies. Students gain career and industry knowledge through series of work-based learning activities in and out of the classroom such as: an internship, apprenticeship, co-op, and or project completion of at least 60 hours. Marketing Today courses introduce students to a wide array of careers such as data analytics, project and content management, digital marketing, marketing campaign management, demographic analytics, and communications.

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.

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Business students take home state honors

Students from across the state took home honors from the BPA State Conference in Dover last week.

Lists of the winners in each category for both middle and high school competitions are available here.

About 415 high school business students from 25 high schools in the state participated Tuesday. Students demonstrated professionalism during the day and competed in 65 events in the categories of management; marketing and communications; digital communications and design; management information systems; business administration; and finance. These students also attended various workshops and campaigned for the State Officer Leadership Team.

The evening culminated with the celebration of leadership, recognition of community services, and the presentation of the 2019 – 2020 State Officer Leadership Team at the awards ceremony with school representatives and parents in attendance.

The following student members were elected to serve on the State Officer Leadership Team for 2019 – 2020:

President – Ryan Nkongnyu from Appoquinimink High School
Vice President – Pankti Desai from Appoquinimink High School
Secretary – Nidhi Patel from Odyssey Charter High School
Treasurer – David Koval from Delmar High School
Historian/Parliamentarian – Aaron Cave from Delmar High School

The Student of the Year was Noelle Kuhoric of Seaford High School and the Secondary Advisor of the Year was Jonathan Layton of Delmar High School. The Outstanding Service award was presented to local businessman Samir Patel.

On Wednesday about 495 business students from 24 middle schools statewide participated in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference at the Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center in Dover. The middle level students spent the day competing in 15 events and attending a variety of workshops. The evening culminated with the presentation of the middle level representative to the State Officer Leadership Team.

Middle Level Representative – Jennae Overton from Redding Middle School

About 73 middle level students and 175 secondary students qualified to attend the 2019 BPA National Leadership Conference that will take place in Anaheim, California from May 1 – 5, 2019. There, students will have the opportunity to participate in competitive events, BPA Academy, college and career exhibits, in addition to networking with business professionals.

Thank you to Platinum Sponsor JP Morgan Chase, Gold Sponsor Delaware State University, and Bronze Sponsors Samir Patel of Dunkin Donuts and Wing Stop and Robbie Jester of Full Circle Foods.

BPA is the leading Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields. For more information, please visit the BPA Web site at www.bpa.org or contact Lisa Wilson, Delaware BPA state advisor, at lisa.wilson@doe.k12.de.us.