Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz announced a renewed commitment to expanding college and career pathways for Hoosier students last week. As part of this work, the Department is applying for a grant of up to $1.8 million to support its high-quality college and career readiness plan, called My Path My Choice.
“No matter their zip code, students deserve to have access to high-quality college and career readiness opportunities during their PK-12 career,” said Ritz. “Every student should graduate high school understanding the relevance of their learning, with the skills and credentials to be successful in college or career. That is why I am excited to renew the Department of Education’s commitment to expanding college and career pathways by submitting a New Skills for Youth grant proposal which will allow Indiana to implement a high-quality college and career readiness plan.”
Earlier this year, the Indiana Department of Education received a $100,000 New Skills for Youth Grant from JP Morgan Chase. Since then, the Department has worked collaboratively with a taskforce of state leaders, educators and members of the business community to develop the My Path My Choice college and career readiness initiative. If implemented, the My Path My Choice initiative will enable more Hoosier students to complete career readiness courses and obtain industry certifications, credentials and post-secondary degrees.
Indiana was one of 24 states, along with the District of Columbia, that received a New Skills for Youth grant in March. The grants are one piece of a five-year initiative developed by JPMorgan Chase, in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers and Advance CTE, aimed at increasing economic opportunity for young people by strengthening career-focused education, beginning in high school and ending with postsecondary degrees or credentials.
Additional information about the New Skills for Youth grant can be found on the Council of Chief State School Officers website.
