Newton Citizen

Photo by Howard Reed

COVINGTON -- The Newton County School System has been awarded a grant by the Ford Motor Company Fund that will pay for a team of 10 to 15 teachers and administrators, along with local business and industry leaders, to attend a learning workshop this fall to implement Ford PAS Next Generation Learning at Newton College and Career Academy.

Ford PAS offers interdisciplinary, inquiry-based and team focused learning for high school students. The Ford Next Generation Learning framework "creates meaningful learning experiences that enable students to apply academic knowledge to real world learning" according to a press release announcing the grant issued by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle's office. The program advocates that schools create and maintain career and interest-based programs, and engages employers and educators, civic and community leaders to collaborate in promoting and sustaining educational programs that prepare the future workforce.

Cagle joined Ford Motor Company in announcing $20,000 in grant awards. Newton's share is $4,500.

"This grant will allow our teachers to receive professional development to better prepare our students to be 21st century learners," said Newton College and Career Academy Principal James Woodard. "We have created a 21st Century Learner Profile, which focuses on career and academic pathway skills, professional skills and personal success skills. The professional development received through this PAS Next Generation grant will help teachers work with the students in these four areas that business leaders in our community determined are most important."

A competition for three additional grants will be held this fall for schools interested in implementing the Ford PAS curriculum.

"Throughout its 107-year history, Ford Motor Company has invested in educational opportunities for the next generation," said Cheryl Carrier, manager of 21st Century Education Programs, Ford Motor Company and Community Services. "We are proud of our partnership with the state of Georgia and the positive impact our programs have had on tens of thousands of Georgia high school students."