State program to better prepare students
Updated: October 9, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- A new educational program is being launched statewide. It's goal is to get our kids better prepared to join the workforce.
The $10 million program is called a learning exchange and it brings students and employers closer together. The whole thing is modeled after something right here in Central Illinios; the FFA. It's very similar.
These learning exchanges are a mixture of learning in the classroom, hands-on experience and meeting face-to-face with industry professionals. The FFA is a partner organization in this, but the state is taking it one step further. There will be programs for nine different fields like finance, manufacturing and architecture.
That means, new classes in middle- and high-schools will be dedicated to these subjects. They'll get a range of opportunities from guest speakers to internships.
Part of the program is funded through federal Race to the Top grant money. The rest comes straight from partnering businesses. State leaders hope if they start students as early as middle-school, they'll have plenty of experience to jump into a career once they graduate.
The $10 million program is called a learning exchange and it brings students and employers closer together. The whole thing is modeled after something right here in Central Illinios; the FFA. It's very similar.
These learning exchanges are a mixture of learning in the classroom, hands-on experience and meeting face-to-face with industry professionals. The FFA is a partner organization in this, but the state is taking it one step further. There will be programs for nine different fields like finance, manufacturing and architecture.
That means, new classes in middle- and high-schools will be dedicated to these subjects. They'll get a range of opportunities from guest speakers to internships.
Part of the program is funded through federal Race to the Top grant money. The rest comes straight from partnering businesses. State leaders hope if they start students as early as middle-school, they'll have plenty of experience to jump into a career once they graduate.
