Indianapolis Students Get ‘Leg Up' On Careers With European-Style Apprenticeships

Career and Technical Education schools teach teens a mix of academic and technical requirements so they can choose to pursue a career in the trades industry upon graduation.

Dual enrollment programs run by community colleges across the United States allow high school students to take college classes that count towards their diploma and future degrees. The programs are often free for students and are increasing community college attendance rates, which dropped during the pandemic.

Colorado's Seal of Climate Literacy pairs climate-focused coursework with community capstone projects to develop awareness and credentials around climate change knowledge; so far, the seal has reached over 1,200 students across 26 districts while inspiring similar policies in Maine, California, Hawaii, and Minnesota.

Through Chicago's early college high schools, which allow students to take college-level coursework while still working toward their diploma, about 600 students graduated this spring with at least 15 college credits, while 50 students earned a full associate's degree.

Virginia’s G3 grant program helps cover education costs for students in the most in-demand industries in the state.

A program in Baltimore bring youths together with volunteer second “families” to help guide them through turbulent times.

To quickly build a skilled workforce, two Kansas community colleges and Panasonic created an accelerated 8-week apprenticeship, funded by the company and featuring tailored classroom and practical training. The program aims to fast-track workers into Panasonic's new EV battery factory while providing clear career pathways through stackable credentials.

In Monte Vista, Colorado, an elementary and a high school are improving teacher retention by building an environment that makes them feel heard, appreciated, and supported. The administrators take time to build relationships with teachers and students, check in with teachers on a regular basis, allow teachers to have a say in decision-making, and create teacher revitalization rooms.

Community colleges in Colorado increased graduation rates by reforming remedial class programs, making sure students' food and housing needs are met, and improving academic advising.

Arizona schools are tackling a rising lack of attendance after the pandemic by helping to address the problems keeping students from school instead of immediately suspending them for absences.