The Delaware Chamber of Commerce recognized several state entities for their innovative and impactful programming. (Unsplash)
A First State college, high school and career development group have been recognized by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce for their innovative and impactful programming.
The 600-hour, two-year, program partners Del Tech with school districts across the state to put high school students into a certificate-to-associate track.
It consists of classroom instruction, lab practicum and clinical work, and bringing students to long-term care facilities and other health care agencies.
Students can become certified nursing assistants within the first six months of the program, a phlebotomy credential mid-program, and a patient care technician credential by the end of year two.
Once completed, students are also eligible to earn up to 11 college credits towards a degree program at Delaware Tech.
Through the pathway, Odyssey trains students to see food as a reflection of societal values and priorities. It also helps students understand the importance of food as a foundation for individual, community, and environmental wellbeing.
Another goal of the pathway is to mold students to see food as an avenue for empowerment, citizenship, and social justice.
Part of the pathway brings students into a Hydroponic Learning Lab where they are introduced to technology through sustainable urban farming.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Odyssey has donated more than 7,000 pounds of fresh produce and distributed more than 6,000 meal kits for people in need.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates
The Dover nonprofit was named a 2023 superstar for helping youth reach academic and economic success as part of its school-to-work transitional program.
The organization exposes middle and high school students to emerging careers and higher levels of education and training.
Programming includes providing students with weekly in-class instruction, credit towards graduation, leadership development, community service and career coaching.
It also gives students access to internships, job-shadowing and paid work experiences.
The JDG model has been replicated in 39 states, leaving a footprint across 1,500 communities nationwide. Their national affiliate, Jobs for America’s Graduates, is a state-based organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among at-risk students.
The Chamber of Commerce also announced the Delaware Skills Center and the Early College School at Delaware State University will receive this year’s Award of Excellence.
Education, business and nonprofit leaders will join elected officials during the May 8 reception and awards ceremony.
It starts at 4:45 p.m. at Wilmington University.
For more information or to register, visit www.dscc.com.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
