The details
Curran said the program will help paraprofessionals earn from scratch or complete a college degree in progress. He said the district will focus on educational assistants performing at high levels; professionals in complementary industries looking to change careers; and students participating in the district's Future Educators program and dual-credit courses who can start with college credit already earned.
The program has four on-ramps differentiated by the number of college credit hours a paraprofessional may already have earned:
- On-ramp 1, less than 30 credit hours: enrolled in college courses, on-the-job training, participating in micro-credential instruction. These apprentices will spend approximately four years in the program.
- On-ramp 2, less than 60 credit hours: enrolled in college courses, on-the-job training, participating in micro-credential instruction. These apprentices will spend approximately three years in the program.
- On-ramp 3, less than 90 credit hours: enrolled in college courses, on-the-job training, participating in micro-credential instruction. These apprentices will spend approximately two years in the program.
- On-ramp 4, residency: These apprentices will be in their final year of college or earning their four-year degree while enrolled in a teacher certification program. While in this program, they will participate in on-the-job training and micro-credential instruction. This would also be their final year in the program.
Cost to the districtThe program is funded by a combination of local funds and an upfront state allocation of $720,000, and is seeking federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor.
