First and Foremost, 
Students 
are at the center of everything we do.
All youth, especially those furthest from opportunity, deserve an education that nurtures their talents and full potential, preparing them for whatever future career path they choose. At the heart of our approach is a fundamental shift in mindset about what it means to prepare young people for college, careers, and life.
Who We Are
Ford NGL mobilizes educators, employers, and community leaders to prepare a generation of diverse young people who will graduate from high school ready for college, careers, and life prepared to apply their passion and skills to improve and contribute to their communities and to succeed.
- Young people who achieve success in college, careers, lifelong learning, and leadership
- Community prosperity shared by all
- Extraordinary diverse talent for the region
- Educational equity and justice for all
- Capacity of this network and our partners to contribute and go further
Over the last 20 years, Ford NGL has refined solutions that leverage community and partnerships to prepare every student for success. Our passionate, experienced team is committed to advancing student achievement and cultivating extraordinary talent for communities.
Our Principles
These principles guide our work with communities in achieving the outcomes.
Equity
All students, including those furthest from opportunity, must have access to and support in pursuing learning and work opportunities.
student voice
All students must have choice, ownership, and agency in pursuing their learning and career aspirations.
community-connected approach
All community stakeholders-schools, families, businesses, and organizations - share responsibility for driving and sustaining transformation together.
Passion
All stakeholders will demonstrate a relentless quest for excellence – a blend of mind and heart – in pursuing our goals.
Innovation
All stakeholders will continually innovate with new forms and ways of preparing young people for success and fulfillment.
Our Principles
These principles guide our work with communities in achieving the outcomes.
Strand 1
Focuses on transforming teaching and learning.
Strand 2
Focuses on transforming the culture, systems, and structures of schools to deliver that experience.
Strand 3
Focuses on transforming the partnerships the school forms with key community sectors.
Within each strand are a small number of tactics drawn from 15 years of practice across 40+ communities. grounded in research, these tactics form the essential elements of the ford ngl design — helping deliver graduates uncommonly prepared for post-secondary success, careers, and fulfilling lives. 

while every tactic is essential, each community decides how and when to implement them based on their
The Ford NGL principles, strands, and tactics represent the essentials of a high-fidelity Ford NGL Design.
The Ford NGL Framework
A Community-Connected Transformation Model for Students
Transforming Teaching and Learning
- Student-Centered, Community Connected Inquiry
- Real-World, Future-Ready Experiences
- Value-Added Assets for College, Career, and Life
- Interdisciplinary Educator Collaboration
Transforming the Culture, Systems, & Structures of Schools
- Student Agency, Voice and Leadership
- Academy Structure for Student Belonging
- Education, Training, and Support for Educators
- Aligned and Supportive District Policies, Practices and Infrastructure
- Data Systems for Continuous Improvement
Transforming Partnerships Between the Schools & Community
- Community Connected Governance
- Community Connected, Powerful Partnership System
- Future-Ready, Workforce-Aligned Pathways
- Authentic Family Engagement
- Branding, Communications, and Storytelling
Want to Learn More?
Let’s talk! Use the form below to send us a message, and we will connect with you and your community.
