A Grades 9-14 Model for College and Career

NORWALK EARLY COLLEGE

ACADEMY

• Part of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program (P-TECH)

• Open to 100 incoming 9th grade students for the 2014-2015 school year

Norwalk Early College Academy

Features• No-cost AAS in Information Technology• Project-based learning, team teaching curriculum• Extended day, extended year program• 4-year, 5-year, 6-year program possibilities• College courses at NHS and at NCC • Extensive professional learning experiences for teaching staff

Staffing• Motivated, visionary, and inspiring school leader• Professional teaching staff with unwavering commitment to EVERY student’s

success• Personalized learning environment with tight adult-student connections

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Context for the Initiative:Why the Grade 9 - 14 Model Matters

• U.S. demand for IT workers far outpacing supply, with steady decline in American students receiving degrees in STEM-related subjects

• Pathways to Prosperity (Harvard): U.S. must broaden the range of high-quality pathways offered to young adults, with far more emphasis on career counseling, career education, apprenticeship programs and community colleges as viable routes to well-paying jobs• Community college graduation rates hover at or about 25%.• There are 28 million middle skill jobs – those requiring postsecondary degrees –

currently available in the U.S., with these jobs paying close to $40,000 per year on average.

• Over the next 10 years, 14 million new jobs requiring middle skills – a 50% increase – will be created, with those needing STEM skills the highest paid of those jobs.

Projected Employment Growth, 2008-2018

• Norwalk Public Schools • Academy housed at Norwalk High School • 100 students per year• Dedicated school leader

• Norwalk Community College• AAS in Computer Science and Engineering • College Liaison• College courses taught by NCC professors and NPS adjunct

professors• IBM

• Workplace learning curriculum and skills mapping• Industry Liaison• Paid internships at IBM• One-on-one long-term mentorships

Norwalk Early College Academy

Extended School Year

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Transportation will be provided

Norwalk Early College Academy

Extended School Day

Academic Support

Acceleration Application

Norwalk Early College Academy

Norwalk Community College Commitment to NECA

Tuition-Free Associate Degree in 4, 5, or 6 years

•A.A.S. in Computer Science

•A.A.S. in Engineering Technology

NCC Component of NECA

• NCC placement exam

• Courses offered starting bySophomore year of H.S. for college-ready students

• Classes taught by NCC professors and/or NCC-approved instructors

1. IBM needs the next generation of Innovators who will lead our company into the 21st Century

• Skilled technical professionals, problem solvers, communicators, leaders

• Diversity of thought breeds innovation

2. IBM has a deep and unabiding commitment to improving education globally• IBM is committed to creating innovative education initiatives that put

students first and helping prepare students for active citizenship and meaningful, productive careers

Why IBM?

PTECH Brooklyn • In 3rd full year with 335 students in grades 9-11• Partnership between New York City Department of

Education, CUNY, New York City College of Technology, and IBM

• Results: 74% of all students have passed at least three Regents exams. 162 students are enrolled in at least one college course

Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy, Chicago, IL• In 2nd full year with 463 students in grades 9 and 10 • Partnership between Chicago Public Schools, City

Colleges of Chicago, Richard Daley College, and IBM• Results: Ranked 4th out of 106 high schools in all of

Chicago for average student growth. 102 students are enrolled in college classes.

Current 9-14 School Model Partnerships

• IBM Liaison• “Work-Based Learning Curriculum,” which will be

key part of student course-work• Skills-Mapping: Coursework is aligned to the skills

necessary to be successful in entry-level role upon completion of AAS degree

• Each student at will be paired-up with a IBM mentor throughout time in program

• Speakers, worksite visits• Beginning in Year 3, students will be placed in

internships at IBM and other companies

• First in-line for jobs at IBM upon graduation

IBM Commitments to NECA Students

April

• Information sessions

May

• Applications due

• Student Selection

• Teacher Selection

June

• Continued Communication with families

• Initial Student/Family Gathering

July

•Summer Learning Experience

September

Officially open doors to Norwalk Early College Academy

Norwalk Early College Academy

Applications are due NO LATER THAN

Wed., May 14, at 2pm. Student selection and

notification will take place the week of May 19.

NORWALK EARLY COLLEGE

ACADEMY