Grant to Enhance Work Preparing Students for Education, Careers and Life
The Joyce Foundation has chosen Rockford as one of four communities for a new regional partnership aimed at expanding high-quality college and career pathways – a structured approach linking high school to postsecondary education and training to ensure that students are prepared for lasting success in education, career and life. Alignment Rockford and Rockford Public Schools will be awarded $400,000 over two years. The grant includes hands-on technical support from national leaders in the field.
Rockford will become part of the Great Lakes College and Career Pathways Partnership. Other communities in the partnership include Columbus, Ohio; Madison, Wis., and Districts 211 and 214 and Harper College in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The communities were chosen for demonstrating committed leadership and strong connections across K-12 and postsecondary schools to support college and career readiness. Other requirements included having a vision for expanding and improving college and career pathways, meeting the needs of students and having supportive, engaged local employers.
“The grant provides an opportunity to join a community focused on enhancing work within our high school academies and continuing our partnership with Alignment Rockford,” said David Carson, Executive Director of College & Career Readiness, Rockford Public Schools.
Carson and Alignment Rockford’s Bridget French will lead the work of the grant. Alignment Rockford’s Pathways team, comprised of community leaders and RPS 205 administration and staff, will focus on expanding and improving college and career pathways and providing work-based learning opportunities for all students.
Read more about this at RRStar.com
Alignment Rockford is a collaborative, non-profit framework for improving Rockford’s schools that coordinates community resources with the strategic plan of Rockford Public Schools.
The Joyce Foundation works with grantee partners to research, develop, and advance policy solutions to improve quality of life, promote community vitality, and achieve a fair society. Based in Chicago, they focus grant making in the Great Lakes region and also seek national impact. For more information, please visit www.joycefdn.org or follow at @JoyceFdn.
