Students in Ohio’s Dayton Public Schools will have the chance to attend career-themed academies and gain hands-on experience in careers they wish to pursue, through a program designed to connect classroom knowledge with workplace success.

The district was recently selected to join the Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL), which brings together educators, employers, and community leaders to prepare students for high school graduation, college, and career readiness.

To be selected as a Ford NGL community, Dayton Public Schools developed a three-year master plan to ensure that all high school students participate in career academies and that the structures and processes are in place to engage local and regional employers and civic leaders in supporting and sustaining these academies.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about careers in fields such as engineering, healthcare, information technology (IT), and advanced manufacturing, while also connecting with professionals in those areas. Through work-based learning experiences, job shadowing, and various career exploration activities with local employers, students will gain practical, hands-on experience. As part of this initiative, students will collaborate closely with professionals in their field of interest, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and success in the workplace.

Dayton Public Schools Superintendent David Lawrence said he is proud the district has received the Ford NGL designation which will ensure 100 percent of students who graduate will be prepared for college, career, or whatever path they choose to pursue.

“This will transform not only the lives of our students, but the entire Dayton region, because we have specifically designed our academies to reflect in-demand regional careers that pay a living wage and will help create generational wealth for families,” said Lawrence in a news statement.

According to the Dayton Daily News, the district spent approximately $391,000 in consultation fees with Ford NGL and plans to hire academy coaches to ensure success.