The five finalist teams proposed technology education programs that use competency-based distance learning. An expert judging panel recommended the five finalist teams, who were each awarded $100,000 in Phase 1. During Phase 2, the finalist teams will have access to expert mentorship and additional technical assistance as they plan, run, refine, and report on their programs.
Finalist teams
iLEAD Academy’s Virtual Computer Science Career Academy will offer students across five high schools the opportunity to take virtual, dual-credit courses leading to the completion of computer science degrees. Students can earn multiple work certifications to demonstrate mastery in digital literacy, computational thinking, programming languages, networking, and cybersecurity.
Louisa County Public Schools’ Cybersecurity Certification is providing a cybersecurity program that will prepare students to enter the workforce with industry credentials or attend a postsecondary program. Students can choose a two-year or four-year pace for the program and will select final-semester coursework that targets specific industry pathways.
Premont Independent School District is collaborating with Brooks County and Freer Independent School Districts as part of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone. The districts are working together to offer the Leaders in Future Technology (LIFT) Tech Startup Incubator, where students will develop technology-enabled solutions to address academy-related challenges in the region, then pitch their solution to a judging panel at the end of the year.
Ravenna Public Schools is creating an agricultural technology program that will teach students transferable skills for robotics, healthcare, and computer informatics. The program is focusing on precision agriculture technology and students are working with IoT sensors to remotely collect data, access data, and manage agricultural commodities.
Woodlake High School is introducing the Woodlake Aviation Pathway, which will prepare students for regional careers or post-secondary degrees. Students will learn drone operations, geometry, and aerodynamic principles, and apply that knowledge through in-person drone flights and simulator work.