Delaware Pathways Grants Will Support New High School Career Programs

Press Release

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."

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