Pinellas Education Foundation becomes Ford NGL Innovation Center
LARGO – Ford NGL, a community-driven education initiative developed by Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, has named The Pinellas Education Foundation a Ford Next Generation Learning Innovation Center.
Ford Motor Company Fund will provide a $25,000 grant to help the Pinellas Education Foundation become a Ford NGL Innovation Center. The Ford NGL IC is a nationally certified center of expertise that coaches and mentors communities through a five-phase roadmap to transform the teaching and learning, the secondary school experience, and the business and civic engagement.
Ford NGL is nationally recognized for its unique model of community-driven high school transformation using career-themed academies – such as engineering, health care, technology and marketing – to provide the foundation for students to learn academics through the lens of a potential career. Ford NGL communities connect academy students with professionals currently working in their chosen field, providing valuable insight into day-to-day challenges and the skills required for success.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Pinellas Education Foundation on this important initiative,” said Cheryl Carrier in a press release. Carrier is executive director of Ford NGL. “The Public Education Foundation has a proven record of developing quality career academies in collaboration with the community and sharing what they’ve learned with other Ford NGL communities, giving more young people the benefits of real-world experience as they work toward a career.”
Ford NGL helps communities achieve the following results:
- Young people prepared for college, careers, leadership and lifelong learning
- Increased community prosperity shared by all
- Strengthened the talent pipeline
- Educational equity and justice
- Capacity to contribute and go further
The Ford NGL IC located in Pinellas will host its first Ford NGL study visit for more than 150 participants Feb. 16-19, in St. Pete Beach, where it will introduce communities to the Ford NGL framework and roadmap. This study visit will consist of academy visits where communities will better understand what authentic teaching and learning looks like for students. They will also engage with members from the Ford NGL network who will share their best practices for success. As a Ford NGL IC, Pinellas will be an example for educators, employers and other community members who are interested in using the Ford NGL model.
For more information on the conference and to register to attend, visit www.pinellaseducation.org.
“It’s a great honor to be a Ford Next Generation Learning Innovation Center,” stated Cathy Collins, chair of the Pinellas Education Foundation. “Career education is a top priority for our Foundation since our vision is that every student will be prepared for life after high school, whether the choice is to attend college, enter the workforce or obtain technical training. We are pleased to partner with Ford NGL and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in our community and others.”
