Marblehead Public Schools has been chosen as a recipient of a $75,000 state grant that will help students receive coursework and improve work-based learning experiences in high-demand industries.
The award was announced by state Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Rep. Jenny Armini in a press release Monday. The funds will go toward the district’s Innovation Career Pathways program, which helps student access education in fields such as information technology, engineering, health care, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
Armini explained in an interview why the program is beneficial to students.
“What’s great about this program is that it gives students the opportunity to explore while they’re still learning,” Armani said, adding that students can apply their learning “in a way that helps them decide what they want to do with their lives.”
The funding will have multiple expenditure uses within the Career Pathways program, including stipends for program administration and faculty, curriculum development, instructional-related supplies and materials, and college career advising.
According to the press release, programs like Innovation Career Pathways are designed to create connections between employers and schools to help give students exposure to potential fields of interest and educate them based on those career interests. It is also required that Pathway designees partner with their local MassHire Workforce Board.
In a statement, Crighton said that it is important to prepare students now more than ever for their careers, given the current workforce climate.
“It is crucial that we prepare students to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving job market,” Crighton said. “This funding will help expose our future workforce to well-paying and fulfilling careers that face shortages.”
Armini added that the program also gives more options to students who might want to take nontraditional avenues when it comes to secondary education.
“Not all kids are interested in the traditional pre-college program,” Armini said. “It provides another pathway for students who are looking at their education a little differently.”