Ashley Gray Ned, executive director of innovative programs and strategic planning, briefed the board July 15 on career- and college-readiness programs that aim to give students real-world experience and post‑graduation options.
Gray Ned said the Prep Academy — a partnership with Richland — began in 2018 and is unique to the district in the area. The district takes 50 students per cohort; the first cohort produced 25 graduates who finished “with a 3.09 GPA, 4 years, 2 degrees,” Gray Ned said, and she said the program saved those families an estimated $25,000. She described the Prep Academy admissions as selective, focused on “bubble” students with grit and aptitude who submit an essay and recommendations. Gray Ned said not every applicant finishes: cohort one started with 50 seats and 25 completed the program.
She described the Inspire Futures internship program, a non‑paid internship opportunity for seniors (about 50 participants across both high schools), and an extended-day program that serves about 700–800 students and fills a local childcare gap. Gray Ned said the district offers more than 11 career pathways and partners with Heartland Tech Academy, area hospitals and manufacturers to create paid job opportunities for students after graduation.
Gray Ned said the department will support Teaching & Learning efforts and aims to expand pathways by two programs in the next year, continue the district strategic-plan work and pursue donor support to scale opportunities. She said prep-program students saved families money and that the district will continue to measure outcomes for continuous improvement.