PUSD Awarded $1.175 Million Grant

The Pasadena Unified School District announced that it was awarded a $1.175 million grant to implement a “comprehensive high school reform strategy” for students throughout PUSD.

PUSD is one of six California school districts selected by ConnectEd: the California Center for College and Career, to receive the grants, funded by The James Irvine Foundation.

The funds, which are part of the California Multiple Pathways District Initiative, will be used to establish ten pathway programs organized around career themes or industry sectors.

“This grant provides a unique opportunity to transform the learning environment in our high schools and broaden post-secondary opportunities for all students,” said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. “Multiple pathways offer a promising approach to reduce dropout rates, raise student achievement, and help kids realize their college and career aspirations.”

Multiple pathways programs connect learning in the classroom with real-world applications by combining academic instruction with a technical curriculum and work-based learning, and prepare students for success in college and careers.

By offering “multiple pathways,” schools encourage students to select from a variety of themed programs in one of California’s 15 major industry sectors, including finance and business; health science and medical technology; information technology; engineering; and arts, media, and entertainment.

PUSD already offers career academies at each of its comprehensive high schools, in fields including health, arts, media and entertainment, visual arts and design, and computer careers.  The multiple pathways approach will support curriculum development in those academies, expand business partnerships and support, and offer more work-based learning opportunities for participating students.

PUSD is one of six districts across California who received implementation grants of more than $1 million. An additional four districts received $125,000 grants to continue preparations for the adoption of a multiple pathways system in the near future.

“We must make our high schools more challenging, more engaging, and more flexible. We need schools that help students connect core academics with demanding technical education, preparing them for lasting success in both further education and career,” said Gary Hoachlander, president of ConnectEd.

PUSD says it plans to work collaboratively with the local community and businesses to ensure that the pathway programs are sustainable and benefit from broad-based support.

The Pasadena Education Foundation, Mayor’s Coalition for Great Schools, and Multiple Pathways Planning Council are key members of the coalition of community and business leaders that participated in developing a comprehensive multiple pathways plan, and will continue to support the implementation of the grant.

For more information on multiple pathways and the initiative, visit www.ConnectEdCalifornia.org.