State investing more than $1 million in preparing students in key industries

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell today announced $600,000 in grants for new high school pathway programs to expand a statewide effort that prepares students to excel in key fields that offer good job opportunities in the new economy.

Beginning next fall, the Governor’s Pathways to Prosperity initiative will serve more than 5,000 students in at least 55 pathway programs at 29 high schools. That more than doubles the size of the initiative from this fall, when it launched with 25 pathways in 15 high schools across the state, impacting more than 2400 students. For this second round of grants, the state has added pathways in computer networking, finance, and health care. Those are in addition to pathways in biomedical sciences, engineering, hospitality/culinary arts, IT/computer science, and manufacturing.

The Governor previously announced $500,000 in grants for pathways that started this fall. Moving forward, the state plans to provide districts the chance each September to apply for funds to start new pathways in emerging industry sectors.

“I applaud the district administrators, teachers, higher education leaders, and employers who have made it a top priority to provide these opportunities to our students,” said Markell. “They have allowed this initiative to expand at an incredible rate, recognizing that these opportunities are vital to give all of our young people the best chance to reach their potential. Working together, we will ensure every student can not only participate but thrive in the job market into which they will graduate.”

Grant funds are used by school districts to implement career and technical education programs of study as part of a larger state effort to connect our public education system, post-secondary institutions, and our employer community. Students take hundreds of hours of specialized instruction and hands-on training, receiving the opportunity to graduate with work experience and college credit for courses that are most relevant to those industries. That means they can have a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.

Each program was developed in partnership with Delaware employers and institutions of higher education. The Department of Education is providing curriculum support for each pathway as well as training for teachers to successfully implement the coursework. In addition, the Department is working on agreements with Delaware colleges and universities to ensure that students who complete a program will be eligible for college credit at one or more institutions of higher education in the state.

The just-announced $600,000 includes some funds to help expand programs already underway this fall.

“This program epitomizes the collaboration among teachers, administrators, and the larger education community that is necessary to best support our students,” said Secretary of Education Steven Godowsky. “The Department of Education continues to be committed to partnering with our school leaders and offering our school systems the support they need to effectively implement the rigorous career and technical programs that are a key part of ensuring all students find success after high school.”

Districts use funding in a variety of ways to support students and staff, and to provide the services and materials required to offer courses and hands-on training opportunities.

“Today’s jobs simply do not look like those of decades past, which are increasingly outsourced to other countries or handled by machines,” said Markell. “However, incredible opportunities exist for those who can use that technology and for those whose abilities fit with the changing needs of growing industries. It’s our responsibility to ensure there are pathways to learning the skills for those jobs.”

New Grant Awards

Appoquinimink School District

Appoquinimink High School – Academy of Finance

Middletown High School – Academy of Finance

 

Caesar Rodney School District

Caesar Rodney High School – IT/Computer Science and Manufacturing

 

Cape Henlopen

Cape Henlopen High School – IT/Computer Science

 

Capital School District

Dover High School – Academy of Finance and Hospitality/Culinary

 

Christina School District

Christiana High School – Engineering and IT/Computer Science

Glasgow High School – Engineering

Newark High School – IT/Computer Science

 

Colonial School District

William Penn High School – IT/Computer Science

 

Delmar School District

Delmar High School – Academy of Finance and Manufacturing

 

Indian River School District

Indian River High School – Academy of Finance and Allied Health

Sussex Central High School – Academy of Finance and Allied Health

 

Milford School District

Milford High School – Allied Health and IT/Computer Science

 

New Castle County Vo-Tech School District

Delcastle Technical High School – Hospitality/Culinary

Howard High School of Technology – Computer Networking and Hospitality/Culinary

Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech High School – Computer Networking and Hospitality/Culinary

St. Georges Technical High School – Hospitality/Culinary

 

Polytech School District

Polytech High School – Computer Networking

 

Seaford School District

Seaford High School – Manufacturing

 

Smyrna School District

Smyrna High School – Allied Health

 

Sussex Technical School District

Sussex Technical High School – Computer Networking

 

A list of the first round of grant awards is available here.

 

New Pathways

Academy of Finance

The Academy of Finance engages students in the world of financial services through courses focusing on banking and credit, financial planning, accounting, economics, and entrepreneurship. Students gain career knowledge through a series of work-based learning activities that are conducted in school and outside of the classroom. Completion of the program and work experience is validated with a NAFTrack industry-recognized certification. Courses introduce students to a wide array of careers such as personal financial advisor, tax preparation specialist, accountant, financial analyst, loan officer, account representative, insurance agent, and claims representative.

Allied Health

The Allied Health pathway engages students in open-ended problem solving and the opportunity to earn college credit in areas like medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology. Students will acquire skills necessary to become a healthcare professional such as medical mathematics, communication, safety practices, legal responsibilities, and teamwork. In addition, students will develop technical skills such as performing a wound culture, measuring vital signs, collecting a throat culture, and performing a strep test. Students will become CPR certified at the completion of the program and will be prepared for a variety of careers in healthcare, such as respiratory therapist, nurse, physical therapist, dental hygienist, and medical lab technician.

Computer Networking

The Cisco Networking Academy includes opportunities for students to earn industry recognized credentials in networking administration such as A+, CCENT, and CCNA. Students will complete hands-on learning activities and network simulations to develop practical skills that will help them to fill a growing need for networking professionals around the world. Work-based learning experiences and industry-mentored projects are included throughout the program. These students will be prepared for careers in network administration, engineering, and security, as well as network architecture and software developer or engineer.

 

Previously Existing Pathways

Biomedical Sciences and Engineering

Students enrolled in the Biomedical Sciences pathway investigate, document, and analyze evidence to study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges.

Students enrolled in the Engineering pathway engage in open-ended problem solving, learn and apply the engineering design process, and use industry-leading technology and software. Participants apply math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects and work both individually and in teams to explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, structures and materials, and automation.

Hospitality Management/Culinary

Students in the Hospitality Management/Culinary pathway develop the management and culinary skills needed for success in the restaurant/hospitality industry. They can earn the ProStart Certificate of Achievement, which signifies a strong foundation in management and culinary skill that includes both technical knowledge and 400 hours of mentored work-based learning experience. Students develop industry-specific skills that can be applied to all aspects of the restaurant and hospitality industry along with the employability skills like leadership, accountability, teamwork, and responsibility. Paid work-based learning experiences are supported by the Delaware Restaurant Association.

IT/Computer Science

Students enrolled in the Computer Science pathway apply computational practices such as algorithm development, problem solving, and programming within the context of problems relevant to their lives. They are introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers, as well as societal and ethical issues. Students apply math and science to hands-on projects and explore the roles of computer scientists as they study the required technical skills, soft skills, educational pathways, and ongoing training required for computing careers.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Production & Logistics

Students enrolled in the Manufacturing Production & Logistics pathways learn about logistics, production assembly, welding, lock out-tag out, AC and DC electrical circuits, electrical motor controls, lean manufacturing, hydraulics & pneumatics, mechanical drives, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Students complete the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) National Certifications in production or logistics. Paid work-based learning experiences are available to students supported by the Delaware Manufactures Association and Delaware Technical Community College. This past summer, students received paid internships at Delaware companies like Agilent Technologies, PPG, Kuehne, and Siemens.

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Students enrolled in the Manufacturing Engineering Technology pathway learn how to innovate, improvise, and invent solutions to everyday problems. Students explore how technological innovations result when ideas, knowledge, and skills are shared across an occupational cluster and amongst other fields of study. Students apply advanced applications in design with a focus on systems thinking, the impacts of technological development, and the use of industry-leading technologies in the creation of models, mock-ups, and prototypes to create engineered solutions to real-world problems.

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Initiative brings together health care providers, non-profits, Delaware Works, and Delaware Tech to give Delawareans new opportunities to fill openings in growing health care field

Wilmington, DE – Building on efforts to ensure every Delawarean has access to education and training to thrive in today’s economy, Governor Markell today announced a new job training opportunity targeted at young workers, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Governor, who previewed the initiative in his State of the State address, worked with McKinsey Social Initiative to make Wilmington one of the pilot cities in the organization’s Generation USA youth employment program.  By bringing together health care employers with non-profits and Delaware Tech, the program provides Wilmington young adults accelerated training as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in a fast-growing sector of the economy. Those who complete the program, pass a certification test and interview successfully are guaranteed jobs with Delaware employers.

“In today’s increasingly competitive global economy, we can only build a strong middle class and give all Delawareans a chance to realize their potential if we make it possible for everyone to prepare for good jobs in growing industries,” said Markell. “Youth unemployment in particular remains persistently high across the country and those who struggle to find a stable job at a young age are often unable to catch up to their peers and make the most of their talents. I’m thrilled that McKinsey Social Initiative has chosen Wilmington as one of the first sites of Generation USA and I thank Delaware Tech and Delaware Works, along with our employer and non-profit partners for making this opportunity available for our young workers.”

Geared toward low-income, 18-29 year olds who are currently unemployed or underemployed, Generation offers an eight-week boot camp CNA course in partnership with Delaware Tech.  The program’s recruitment partners include the successful Jobs for Delaware Graduates program, which has demonstrated a tremendous track record of helping the most at-risk students graduate and transition into college or the workforce, as well as Goodwill and Career Tech.

“Generation is grateful for the support of Governor Markell and the many wonderful local partners in Wilmington who are making this program possible,” said Dr. Mona Mourshed, Executive Director of Generation. “Delaware is at the front lines of the effort across the country and the world to better prepare young people to be successful in the middle-skill jobs that employers are so desperately seeking to fill.”

The Generation boot camp integrates technical training in the classroom and at job sites, along with behavioral and mindset skills, which will help students prepare to overcome both workplace and personal challenges. Eight students are expected to participate in each cohort, consistent with state regulations on classroom teacher-student ratios. The first set of employer partners, Saint Francis Healthcare and Cadia Rehabilitation, have been engaged from the beginning of the program, and the curriculum has been developed with their input to meet their employment needs and those of other sizable health care organizations. Generation plans to bring on additional employment partners soon.

“Generation is an exciting program that will help us meet our ongoing need for highly qualified employees,” said Cathy Weaver, Vice President, Mission, Ministry and Human Resources, at Saint Francis Healthcare. “We’re so pleased to be partnering with Generation—and looking forward to welcoming our first hires from the program.”

Participants will begin the process of applying and interviewing with the employers by the third week of the program. Social support and mentorship will be available throughout the course to enable even the most vulnerable young people to be successful. Students will receive stipends during the course. Generation’s model also ensures that graduates of the program will continue to have access to support and regular follow-up contacts for the first six months of their employment.

Graduates will be qualified for certified nurse assistant positions, placing them on a career path where additional training can allow them to take on roles of increasing responsibility, from medical assistants to Registered Nurse jobs.

The first class will start on June 1, and Generation will be recruiting additional classes to start later in the year. Interested young people or employers should contact generationwilmington@mckinseysocialinitiative.org.

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Training a 21^st Century Workforce Delaware’s participation in the Generation USA youth employment program is part of a series of efforts announced in Governor Markell’s State of the State address to rethink the state’s approach to workforce training and ensure more workers gain the skills to meet the demands of key industries in the new economy.

Last month, the Governor announced 15 Pathways to Prosperity grants for high schools to implement programs that allow students to earn workplace experience and college credit in high-demand fields before they graduate.

Next week, he will unveil details about the launch of an IT training program that has already been recognized by the White House as a model for preparing people for well-paying technology jobs.

McKinsey Social Initiative

Founded by McKinsey & Company in 2014, McKinsey Social Initiative applies problem solving expertise to develop innovative approaches to complex social challenges. McKinsey Social Initiative houses individual programs, each of which focuses on a single issue and brings together different partners from the private, public, and social sectors to design and implement solutions. It is an independent 501(c)(3). Generation is McKinsey Social Initiative’s first program.

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Nearly $500,000 provided to support Pathways to Prosperity initiative to prepare students to excel in today’s economy

Dover, DE – With the support of grants announced by Governor Markell today, 15 Delaware high schools, spread across the state, will launch intensive programs in the fall to prepare students to excel in key fields that offer good job opportunities in the new economy. The grants, totaling nearly $500,000, are part of the Governor’s Pathways to Prosperity initiative, initially previewed in his State of the State address.

“Every Delaware student must have access to an education that best prepares him or her for our changing world – a world in which it is more important than ever for our citizens to have the right skills,” said Markell. ” Pathways to Prosperity is establishing the necessary partnerships with Delaware employers, universities, and school districts to prepare students for a bright future in high-demand fields and careers.”

Grant funds will be used by school districts to implement career and technical education programs in Biomedical Science, Computer Science, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management, and Engineering beginning in the 2015 – 2016 school year. Through this effort, students will take hundreds of hours of specialized instruction and hands-on training. They will have the opportunity to graduate with workplace experience and college credits for courses that are most relevant to those industries, giving them a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.

Each program was developed in partnership with Delaware employers and institutions of higher education. The Department of Education is providing curriculum support for each pathway as well as training for teachers to successfully implement the coursework. In addition, the Department is working on agreements with Delaware colleges to ensure that students who complete a program will be eligible for college credit at one or more institutions of higher education in the state.

“We are proud to support our school systems as they implement rigorous career and technical programs, and create opportunities for all children to find success after high school,” said Secretary of Education Mark Murphy, who is leading the state’s investment of its federal career & technical education funding to defray the cost of providing these programs.

An additional $500,000 will be made available in the fall of 2015 to fund programs for the following school year.  Districts will be able to use that funding in a variety of ways to support students and staff, and to provide the services and materials required to offer courses and hands-on training opportunities.  More information on each program and the list of school districts that received grants is available on the Department of Education’s website at http://dedoe.schoolwires.net/Page/293.

“The turnaround time on developing a plan and applying for the grant was incredibly short, so I am extremely impressed with the districts that have shown the determination to provide these opportunities to their students as soon as possible, and that rose to the occasion to get pathways off the ground so quickly,” said Markell. “Students across our state can benefit from workplace learning and high-quality training in growth industries and all of us will benefit from having our students ready for college and a career in the new economy.”

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Building on Success

The new pathways build on the accelerated career path program the state launched in manufacturing this school year when Colonial and New Castle County Vo-tech School Districts partnered with Delaware Tech and the Delaware Manufacturing Association. More than 30 juniors in New Castle County are spending part of each week at Delaware Tech. They learn math and other skills most important for that industry and work with equipment, aiming to earn industry-recognized credentials and college credit before they graduate. This summer, they will receive paid internships at Delaware companies like Agilent Technologies, PPG, Kuehne, and Siemens.

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Grant Recipients

Appoquinimink School District

Appoquinimink High School – Computer Science and Engineering

Middletown High School – Engineering

Brandywine School District

Brandywine High School – Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Mount Pleasant High School – Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Caesar Rodney School District

Caesar Rodney High School – Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Christina School District

Glasgow High School – Biomedical Sciences

Colonial School District

William Penn High School – Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Laurel School District

Laurel High School – Biomedical Sciences and Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

New Castle County Vo-Tech School District

Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech High School – Engineering

Newark Charter High School – Computer Science and Engineering

Polytech School District

Polytech High School – Engineering

Red Clay School District

McKean High School – Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Seaford School District

Seaford High School – Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Smyrna School District

Smyrna High School – Engineering

Sussex Academy – Engineering

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Four Pathways

Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Pathways

Curriculum and assessments are developed in partnership with business and industry, and higher education, with course specific professional development offered to teachers by higher education partners. The Biomedical capstone course requires students to conduct scientific research with industry partners.  The Engineering capstone course requires students to design an invention in partnership with an industry panel.

Key partners include: the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Tech, and Project Lead The Way.

Computer Science Pathway

The computer science pathway includes two advanced placement courses, a curriculum developed in partnership with business, industry, and higher education, and course-specific professional development offered for teachers by higher education partners. Both AP courses require students to engage with business and industry partners to design websites and applications, and develop methods for data collection and disaggregation.

Key partners include: the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Tech, code.org, and The College Board.

Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Students benefit from an industry-focused mentorship, a curriculum developed in partnership with business and industry and higher education, and course-specific professional development for teachers. They will have the chance to earn the ProStart Certificate of Achievement, which signifies a strong foundation in management and culinary skill that includes both technical knowledge and 400 hours of mentored work-based learning experience.

Key partners include: the University of Delaware, Delaware Tech, the National Restaurant Association, and the Delaware Restaurant Association, which will help arrange mentors and work-based learning opportunities.

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Photos from today’s event

More than $1 million in grant funding to support schools offering intensive training and credentials in key industries

Newark, DE – School districts will have access to programs that prepare high school students to thrive in growing industries under a statewide effort announced by Governor Markell today. Initially previewed in the Governor’s State of the State address, the Pathways to Prosperity initiative will establish partnerships with Delaware employers, universities, and school districts to prepare students for a bright future in high-demand fields and careers. Markell said the state is dedicating more than $1 million of its federal career and technical education funding over the next year to offer school districts grants to defray the cost of providing these programs.

Through this effort, students will take hundreds of hours of specialized instruction and hands-on training. They will have the opportunity to graduate with industry-recognized certificates and with college credits for courses that are most relevant to those industries, giving them a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.

“Today, we take an important step toward ensuring that Delaware will be one of those places where students of today and of generations to come will enter the workforce fully armed with the skills to compete for good jobs, develop new innovations, and make the most of their extraordinary talents,” said Markell, who thanked business leaders, including Delaware Workforce Investment Board Chair and Delmarva Power President Gary Stockbridge, for their commitment to offering Delaware students the most relevant training.

The Governor spoke at the Delmarva Power Conference Center where leaders from the business and education community gathered at a Pathways to Prosperity Conference. School district representatives had the opportunity to ask questions of industry leaders, college representatives, and government officials about the process of starting these programs.

The co-leader of the national Pathways to Prosperity Network at Harvard University, Bob Schwartz, also spoke about national and state workforce needs and the importance of more opportunities like these for students to find a path to a successful career in industries with many available jobs.

“We have long known that educational attainment is tied to career success,” said Schwartz. “What’s different now is that it’s no longer simply about how much education you get, but specifically whether you are learning the right skills. The types of career and technical education programs we’re discussing today are increasingly valuable.”

Program Details

This fall, the state will launch pathways statewide in information technology and computer science in partnership with code.org, as well as in the culinary arts and hospitality industries in partnership with the Delaware Restaurant Association. The following year, the Department of Education will expand the network to include two more of the state’s fastest growing industries – financial services and healthcare.

Markell said the state is already seeing that this model can work when employers work with education leaders to develop the programs. He cited the manufacturing pathway started last fall when Colonial and New Castle County Vo-tech School Districts partnered with Delaware Tech and the Delaware Manufacturing Association. More than 30 juniors in New Castle County are spending part of each week at Delaware Tech. They learn math and other skills most important for that industry and work with equipment. Those students are already making great progress and, this summer, they’ll get paid internships at Delaware companies like Agilent Technologies, PPG, Kuehne and Siemens.

“The manufacturing program has demonstrated the power of partnering our business community and college with school districts to create a curriculum that engages students in learning skills most valued in the economy,” said Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard. “Delaware Tech has an important role in these efforts given our work with industry to shape our course offerings. We look forward to taking part in other pathways so that students in more fields receive the most beneficial classroom instruction and hands-on training opportunities to prepare them for jobs in growing industries.”

Markell announced today that the Department of Education is making available more than $500,000 this spring to support school districts that adopt these programs. An additional $500,000 will be make available in the fall to fund programs for the following school year. Districts will be able to use that funding in a variety of ways to support students and staff, and to provide the services and materials required to offer courses and hands-on training opportunities.

The Department is providing curriculum support for each pathway program and has secured articulation agreements with Delaware colleges to ensure that students who complete a program will be eligible for college credit at one or more institutions of higher education.

The second half of today’s conference is focused on giving school district representatives the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the individual programs. More information on each program and funding applications for districts are available on the Department of Education’s website at http://dedoe.schoolwires.net/Page/293.

“As our world is transformed by new technology, jobs of the past are now outsourced to other countries or handled by machines. However, incredible opportunities exist for those who can use that technology and for those whose abilities fit with the changing needs of growing industries,” said Markell. “Every Delaware student must have access to an education that best prepares him or her for this new era. That’s why we are here today.”

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