The Clarksdale Municipal School District was awarded close to $60,000 in grant funding to promote digital learning and the implementation of career academies aimed at increasing career readiness and enhancing Clarksdale’s workforce.
Clarksdale is one of a select number of districts in the state to receive the CTE ESSER Grant, CTE Reserve Grant, and a new Work-Based Learning program (formerly Co-op) to expand the MS Learn to Earn Act passed by the state legislature for the upcoming 2021-22 school year.
One of the district's top priorities is to develop a program of study and courses vertically aligned with postsecondary and workforce opportunities for students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers.
Additionally, grant funds will help increase access to equipment for project based learning, existing career guidance and counseling, provide students with extended learning activities and help the district establish its first STEM career academy.
CTE director and grant project coordinator, Shirlaurence D. Fair is excited about the progress CMSD is making.
"The additional grant funding will help purchase much needed supplies for teachers and now the district will be able to offer ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certification Testing, CompTia IT Certifications Testing, and work based learning opportunities to all secondary students at targeted schools,” said Fair.
“Approximately 660 students will benefit from the funds and activities proposed,” she said. "We are building on our STEM program's most recent success and are encouraging students to pursue high wage, high demand jobs locally and abroad,” she added. “This is a win-win for students, the district, and the community. It will take everyone working together to bring the vision for a better Clarksdale to life," Fair states.
David Cress of the Office of Secondary Education leads the Career Academy Initiative for the Mississippi Department of Education and expressed his excitement to work with CMSD.
"Clarksdale is becoming a district of innovation and will be eligible for even more funding in the near future to better serve students," he said. “We have a whole team ready to support the district throughout the implementation process."
District leadership and representatives from Clarksdale High School, JW Stampley, and Carl Keen CTE were present along with Technology Student Association President, Jodarylrius Blake to kickstart the planning process.
The meeting ended with closing remarks by Superintendent Nelson sharing his gratitude to MDE for their ongoing support and mission to make CMSD the model district of the Delta.
A listening session to solicit feedback from parents, industry partners, and community stakeholders is planned for September 2021.
For more information, contact Shirlaurence D. Fair, 662-627-8580 or visit www.cmsdschools.org/cte.
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