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Gov. Markell spotlights education initiatives in weekly message

Tom Byrne/Delaware Public Media

In his weekly message, Gov. Jack Markell talked about preparing students for success in the new economy.

He recently announced an additional Pathways to Prosperity grants to high schools to add programs in finance, health, and computer networking, while expanding others in IT, engineering, and culinary arts. Those classes will allow students to earn college credit and gain workplace experience.

"We must create new opportunities to support them in an economy that requires more education and training than ever, to thrive," said Markell. "And that’s why I recently announced an additional $600,000 in Pathways to Prosperity grants to high schools.

Next year, more than 5,000 students will participate at 29 high schools across the state.

Markell also highlighted a Delaware study abroad program in China as part of an initiative to prepare students for the global economy.  This year, thirty students will go on that program for free.

"We also recognize our economy is becoming more global, and that’s why we’ve made it a priority to increase language learning opportunities," said Markell.

This year, thirty students will participate in that program for free.

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Full text of Gov. Markell's weekly message:

Delaware’s future success, depends on how well we prepare our students today. We must create new opportunities to support them in an economy that requires more education and training than ever to thrive. 

That’s why I recently announced an additional $600,000 in Pathways to Prosperity grants to high schools to fund more than 50 programs that allow students to earn college credit and gain workplace experience in growing, well-paying fields, so they have a head start on earning a degree or getting a job after graduation. We’re adding programs in finance, health, and computer networking, while expanding others in IT, engineering, and culinary arts. Next year, more than 5,000 students will participate at 29 high schools across the state. And that’s only in the second year of the initiative.

We also recognize our economy is becoming more global.  That’s why we’ve made it a priority to increase language learning opportunities. Last week, we announced the expansion of a study abroad program with support from China’s largest auto parts manufacturer, Wanxiang, and the China General Chamber of Commerce. Last summer, 20 students had the opportunity to advance their language skills while studying science, technology, engineering, and math in China. Next year, we’ll send up to 30 students on a free once-in-a-lifetime trip to improve their Chinese, gain a unique set of skills, and develop a greater understanding of a different culture. I encourage you to check out the exciting and diverse adventures our first class of students experienced by visiting their blog. The link can be found on the weekly message page of my website.

When we commit to sustaining this progress and giving every Delaware student the best opportunity to succeed in the new economy, we keep Delaware moving forward.

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