YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – Educational Service District 105 was selected as a grant recipient of the Career Connected High School grant award, receiving $2,549,111 to enhance education support according to a press release from Tuesday.
The grant was awarded as part of the first-ever Perkins Innovation and Modernization, Career Connected High Schools grant program. It’s part of a $25 million investment from the U.S. Department of Education.
ESD 105 was one of more than 160 eligible agencies from across 43 states and the only agency selected from Washington.
The three-year grant supports schools within ESD 105, including increasing the capacity of their education and workforce systems to develop new high-quality career-connected high school programs.
The press release says that rural Washington schools are facing paraeducator shortages, with all 25 schools within ESD 105 reporting a need for paraeducators, teacher assistants and classroom support.
“ESD 105 with state partners will launch the Teacher Academies Project (TAP) for South Central Washington in collaboration with regional higher education institutions,” said Director of Educator Growth and Development Dr. Melissa Matczak. “Through TAP, high school students will have access to earning college credit through a blend of hands-on training, academic learning, and real-world experience. As a result, students will be able to earn a certificate for employment immediately after graduation and increase their employability. These credentials are valuable assets that impact the region’s paraeducator shortage and align with the needs of our school districts.”
