CIESC was fortunate to receive nearly $4 million to support seven Indiana districts in a transformational college and career readiness approach. The seven districts are Batesville Community Schools, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Hamilton Heights Schools, Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Mill Creek Community Schools, MSD of Warren Township, and Whitley County Consolidated Schools.
Over the two years of the grant, all seven districts will implement a community advisory consisting of both internal and external stakeholders. These community stakeholders will work through a process where a portrait of a graduate will be created, focused on the academic and employability skills needed for students to succeed in school, career, and life. In addition, the community advisory will develop a master plan not only to ensure the portrait skills are embedded PK-12, but also work to identify career pathways focused on the talent needs in each respective community.
CIESC’s project lead is Dr. Kimberly Fifer, a former assistant superintendent at Clark-Pleasant, who gained significant experience in this work while the assistant superintendent at Greater Clark County Schools. Dr. Fifer will be working with each district throughout the process.
Another significant partner is Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL), which is part of the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. We will take a collaborative community-driven approach to achieve the following outcomes: (1) increased community prosperity shared by all; (2) a strengthened talent pipeline; (3) young people prepared for college, careers, lifelong learning, and leadership; (4) educational equity and justice for all; and (5) the capacity to contribute and go further. This work will support the IDOE’s college and career readiness efforts and is aligned with the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed initiative.
The goal is for all seven school districts to become state models for significant transformational change, positively impacting students, school districts, and communities.