DERBY — Two local schools have joined CFES Brilliant Pathways’ growing network of programs across the US and Ireland in support of students becoming college and career ready.
Brighton Elementary and North Country Union Junior High have signed on as CFES schools for the 2019-2020 school year.
They join new schools from Texas, Hawaii, Florida and Pennsylvania and an overall network of 25,000 students in 150 schools from 30 states.
The addition of these schools supports a statewide initiative known as Advance Vermont, focused on 70 percent of working-age residents attaining a postsecondary degree or credential of value.
Launched in 2017 by Gov. Phil Scott, leaders in business, education, government, nonprofits and philanthropy, the initiative addresses a shortfall of qualified candidates to fill the high-growth, high wage jobs over the next decade that the McClure Foundation says will require education or training beyond high school.
Despite having one of the nation’s highest high school graduation rates, only 60 percent of Vermont’s seniors choose to attend college – a college-going rate that ranks last in New England and 42nd nationally.
Relying on research-driven methods and best practices, CFES has sent 95 percent of its students to college or certified training programs.
CFES gives students an opportunity to forge their own route to a bright future that places an emphasis on college and career readiness through a framework that allows schools to customize the implementation of three core practices – mentoring, essential skills (perseverance, agility, goal setting, networking, teamwork and leadership) and pathways to college & career.
“Every student with the desire and ability should have the opportunity to attend college and post-secondary training programs,” said US Senator Bernie Sanders. “I am pleased to learn that more Vermont students will have access to counseling and programs to help them make post-high school decisions.”
Brighton Elementary is currently developing comprehensive plans to engage students in the core practices with support from CFES program directors who will work with staff and students.
