Newberg Public Schools received notification that it will receive a $496,266 grant to create a pre-engineering pathway through new high school courses, a middle school after-school program, robust business partnerships and advanced teacher training.

The Oregon Department of Education selected Newberg’s “CTE 21” application for additional grant funds made available for Career Technical Education (CTE) Revitalization grants by the Oregon Legislature. The grant funds extend from April 28, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

Newberg’s  “CTE 21” grant has four distinct components designed to strengthen career technical education programs for students, including:

• Introduction of engineering foundation courses at Newberg High School, including Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering. Both courses are part of the innovative Project Lead the Way curriculum that applies engineering, science, math and technology to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context. The grant will pay for teacher training and course materials. Introduction to Engineering Design will be offered at NHS this fall.

• After-school CTE programs for middle school students designed to further explore career technical education and STEM opportunities through project –based learning. The grant will provide instruction and transportation for two-day per week classes throughout the coming school year.
   
• Business partnerships that add relevance to career technical education courses through site visits, project tours, guest speakers, job shadow and internships, mentorships, resources for career and course content and dual credit opportunities. Partners in the “CTE 21” grant are A.R.E. Manufacturing, A-dec Inc., Climax Portable Machining and Welding Systems, Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, City of Newberg, Oregon Department of Transportation and Portland Community College.  The grant will support a school-to-business specialist to coordinate opportunities for high school students and teachers.

• Advanced teacher training in STEM to increased STEM literacy for all students. A professional learning program called “Champions of STEM” is designed to increase the capacity of district schools to provide excellent STEM education in K-12 classrooms. The grant will support costs related to professional learning for teachers.

“This is an incredible jump start toward implementing our vision and key priorities in our strategic plan,” said Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “It will give our students the authentic 21st Century experience and skills they need to be successful beyond graduation.”