The funding will give students enrolled in Career Technical Education programs more opportunities for apprenticeships in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, including computer science, according to Oregon Department of Education spokesman Marc Siegel.
Oregon is one of only six states to receive the grant, which has a long title: the Pathways to STEM Apprenticeship for High School Career and Technical Education Students grant.
The Oregon Department of Education will partner with STEM Hubs and workforce officials within the three counties to implement the grant funding in an effort to meet four goals to:
Increase the number of high school students who have the stills necessary to successfully transition into work, apprenticeship or post-secondary programs.
Increase the number of rural high schools offering a pathway to a competency-based pre-apprenticeship programs.
Increase the number of historically underserved and non-traditional students who choose to enter a computer science pathway programs that lead to apprenticeships and other opportunities.
Develop a statewide collaborative partnership of workforce investment boards, employers and educators to monitor and sustain the work of the project
ODE Director Colt Gill said the grant will help with state graduation rates and other goals.
"Governor Brown has set a clear vision for every student to graduate with a plan for their future," Gill said. "This grant helps us accomplish that goal by increasing access to computer science opportunities that are in high demand in Oregon, especially among rural students and those in historically underserved and non-traditional student groups."
©2018 The Register-Guard (Eugene, Ore.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
