Gov. Jack Markell’s latest update on his push to increase opportunities to high school students is the focus of his weekly message.
Markell unveiled 15 schools chosen to split a $500,000 grant that will go toward implementing new curriculum involving culinary arts, engineering and hospitality management this fall.
“Hundreds of students will receive intensive, specialized, hands-on instruction as part of our Pathways to Prosperity initiative. They’ll have opportunities to get work experience and college credits, giving them a head start in getting a job and earning a degree,” said Markell.
The governor says by 2025, at least 65 percent of Delaware jobs will require some kind of education after high school, with only 40 percent of people having that level of training right now.
Another $500,000 grant will be available for programs starting in the 2016-2017 school year.
Full text of Gov. Markell's weekly message:
Every Delaware student deserves an education that best prepares him or her for our new economy – whether they are going to college or straight into the workforce. Today, that goal is more possible than ever.
Here at Appoquinimink High School, we announced grants for 15 schools to partner with employers, universities, and school districts to train students in high-demand fields – like computer science and engineering. Hundreds of students will receive intensive, specialized, hands-on instruction as part of our Pathways to Prosperity initiative. They will have opportunities to get work experience and college credits, giving them a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.
Meanwhile, more young people are taking and passing rigorous Advanced Placement courses, with one thousand more AP tests taken than just three years ago. Teachers like Caesar Rodney’s Lisa Kane are leading the way. Thanks to her commitment to new teaching strategies, the results of her biology students shot up, helping increase the number of Delawareans who pass the AP Bio test by 20 percent in two years.
We must also ensure students can take the next steps after graduation. That means assistance applying to college, finding financial assistance and enrolling. For the second straight year, this support has helped all of our college ready seniors are on track to attend. Previously, as many as one in five never applied. And more students are filling out the FAFSA financial aid form.
This is all great progress, but we cannot be satisfied until we help every student graduate ready for college or a good job. By making that our mission, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.
