How it started:
Gibson County Special School District was one of the twenty-one districts selected as a pilot program for the Innovative High School Grant in the years 2021-2023. This project was known as the “Pathways to Success Project,” which allowed students to attend high school through a modified school day at a partnering employer’s facility instead of the traditional classroom setting. The project was a consortium agreement with Milan Special School District and Trenton Special School District, which helped us build several connections across Gibson County. The purpose of the “Pathways to Success Project” was to break the mold by reimagining current routines/practices of schooling to better prepare students for their futures. Program participants completed a workplace readiness course before being allowed in their work-based learning job placements. Students were also given YouScience career assessments by our Career Advisor to assist in finding their natural strengths while incorporating their interests. Work Support Coaches provided transportation, classroom guidance, and workplace job coaching.
How it’s going:
During the two years, we had 134 IHS students complete the IHS program, and they earned approximately $700K. Due to the positive outcomes of the Pathways to Success Project, we expanded our new GCSSD Innovative School Model to include a POST plan. The POST (Preparing Our Students for Tomorrow) plan will provide new opportunities to promote college and career readiness to our students at an earlier age. Middle school students will now be challenged with real-world experiences and life skills in preparation for selecting a career path. POST will offer STEM and CTE courses for grades 6, 7, and 8 that are designed to highlight our high school CTE programs. Students will also have a 9-week Career Exploration class where they make intentional plans for high school based on interest, aptitude, skills, and research. POST will allow students to seamlessly transition from middle school to high school.
Innovative staff will continue to provide superior mentorship, guidance, and support to all Innovative students throughout their ISM WBL experience. Additionally, Innovative staff members will connect students to business and industry partners based on their aptitudes, interests, and program of study. The Career Advising Specialist will be available to all students in grades 9-12 for 1:1 career advisement upon request throughout their high school career. All Innovative Students must meet with the Career Advising Specialist before entering their placement for 1:1 advisement.