Dear High school Principals and Admins (How to utilize school pandemic funds)

Strategic Use of Federal Funding to Enhance College Graduates' Workforce Involvement and Dual Credit Opportunities

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the urgent need to adapt and enhance our educational strategies to better prepare students for the workforce and higher education is evident. Utilizing federal funding effectively can significantly improve the integration of students into the workforce and increase their access to dual credit programs. Here’s how states and local educational agencies (LEAs) can use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act to achieve these goals:

Prioritizing Dual Enrollment to Foster Early College Credit Acquisition

Dual enrollment programs are pivotal for allowing high school students to earn college credits, setting a foundation for their postsecondary education and future careers. These programs not only accelerate students' academic trajectories but also introduce them to the expectations and rigor of college-level coursework. By leveraging ARP and CRRSA funds, educational bodies can:

• Expand Access and Equity: Ensure dual enrollment opportunities are accessible to all students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. This may involve covering tuition costs, textbooks, and transportation for students facing economic hardships.
• Strengthen Partnerships with Postsecondary Institutions: Collaborate with colleges and universities to create seamless pathways for credit transfer, ensuring that dual enrollment credits are recognized and applicable towards degree completion.
• Support Professional Development: Offer professional development opportunities for high school teachers to become qualified to teach dual enrollment courses, thereby expanding the program's reach.

Enhancing Work-Based Learning for Real-World Experience

Work-based learning experiences, such as internships, apprenticeships, and cooperative education, bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. These opportunities enable students to gain valuable industry insights, develop essential workplace skills, and build professional networks. Effective use of federal funds can support:

• Creation and Expansion of Work-Based Learning Programs: Develop new and bolster existing work-based learning opportunities tailored to meet the needs of the local labor market and student interests.
• Facilitate Employer Partnerships: Engage local businesses and industries in designing and providing work-based learning experiences that are mutually beneficial.
• Remove Barriers to Participation: Address logistical challenges such as transportation and equipment costs for students, ensuring equitable access to work-based learning opportunities.

Implementing Comprehensive Career and College Advisement

Guidance and advisement are crucial for helping students navigate their educational and career paths. Through targeted investment, schools can enhance their counseling services to offer:

• Personalized Career Planning: Provide students with individualized advisement sessions to explore career options, understand the value of dual enrollment, and plan their high school and postsecondary education in alignment with their career goals.
• Professional Development for Counselors: Equip counselors with the latest tools and information on labor market trends, dual enrollment benefits, and postsecondary pathways to offer up-to-date advice to students.
• Expand Access to Career Exploration Resources: Invest in software and platforms that offer comprehensive career exploration tools, helping students make informed decisions about their futures.

Here are examples highlighting how the City University of New York (CUNY) and other states have strategically used funding to benefit students:

City University of New York (CUNY) - Dual Enrollment and Work-Based Learning Initiatives

The City University of New York (CUNY) has set a precedent in utilizing federal funds to expand dual enrollment opportunities and work-based learning experiences through their "College Now" program. This initiative offers high school students the chance to take college-level courses and earn credits before graduating from high school, at no cost to the students. By leveraging funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), CUNY has been able to:

• Expand Dual Enrollment Access: Provide thousands of students with access to dual enrollment opportunities, allowing them to get a head start on their college education and reduce the time and cost of obtaining a degree.
• Support Work-Based Learning: Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, CUNY has developed work-based learning opportunities for students, integrating practical job experience with academic learning. These experiences are invaluable for students to understand workplace dynamics, develop professional skills, and make informed career choices.

State Examples

Texas - Expanding Career and Technical Education

In Texas, ESSER funds were used to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the state. The focus was on increasing opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials alongside their high school diplomas. Texas's approach included:

• Industry Certification Opportunities: By funding certification exam fees and providing necessary resources and materials, Texas has enabled more students, especially those from low-income families, to obtain credentials in high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
• After-School and Summer Learning: Texas invested in extending learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day and year, offering after-school and summer programs focused on CTE pathways. This approach helps students gain hands-on experience and academic credit, making them more competitive in the job market.

New Mexico - Summer Enrichment Internship Program

New Mexico utilized its ARP ESSER allocation to launch a Summer Enrichment Internship Program. This innovative program aimed to:

• Provide Paid Internships: Approximately 2,300 youth participated in paid career opportunities across a variety of industries, working 20 hours per week for six weeks. This initiative not only offered valuable work experience but also helped students explore career interests and build professional networks.
• Bridge Academic Learning and Real-World Application: By aligning internships with academic goals, New Mexico ensured that students could apply what they learned in the classroom to practical situations, enhancing their understanding and retention of academic content.

Conclusion

The strategic use of ARP and CRRSA funds presents an unprecedented opportunity to transform the preparation of students for college and the workforce. By focusing on expanding dual enrollment opportunities, enhancing work-based learning experiences, and implementing comprehensive career and college advisement, educational institutions can significantly improve outcomes for students. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared for higher education but are also equipped with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to thrive in the workforce. As we move forward, it is imperative that we invest wisely, prioritize equity, and work collaboratively to build a resilient and inclusive educational system that meets the needs of all students and the economy at large.