Kennett Future Ready program expands dual enrollment, internships and a new game-design course

Kennett Consolidated School District officials described progress on “Kennett Future Ready,” a district initiative to expand career-focused programs of study, dual-enrollment opportunities and work-based learning, and the board approved new high-school courses including a game-design capstone.

Dean Ivory, the district’s supervisor of innovative programs, told the board on Feb. 10 that the district has identified program-of-study completers for a pilot in 2025–26 and has secured community, university and employer partners. Ivory said a midyear partnership with Immaculata University registered 19 students for 35 courses; if students complete the classes, they could earn as many as 108 college credits this school year through partnerships and dual-enrollment agreements.

Why it matters: The initiative aims to connect K–12 curriculum with postsecondary credentials and local labor-market needs through a mix of dual enrollment, industry credentials, internships and capstone projects. Ivory said research shows students who earn college credits in high school are more likely to complete degrees and attain higher employment outcomes.

Students who are already participating described their internships. Lena Liu, a senior who worked in elementary classrooms, said the placement deepened her understanding of different learning styles and classroom needs. Kared Van Herbeck, an engineering-pathway senior, described an internship at Bancroft Construction that included job-site visits and meetings with project managers and noted he is pursuing OSHA-10 certification. Ben Chandler, a senior placed with a local construction firm, described orientation through the company and early estimating work using industry software.

Board action and courses: The board approved a new game-design capstone course to build out the computer science pathway, and approved a slate of dual-enrollment offerings in partnership with Immaculata University and Delaware County Community College. The motion to approve the new courses passed at the Feb. 10 meeting.

What’s next: Ivory said the district will identify interested students this spring, hand-schedule those students for 2025–26 to accommodate internships or pilot elements, continue building employer partnerships and align the work with the district’s strategic plan. The program envisions recognition for program completers at senior awards and a future Kennett Future Ready “Wall of Fame.”