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 is offering 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 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 offering high school students the option to join one of five academies leading to dual credits, associate degrees, and industry-based certifications. The academies will focus on preparing students for technology-skilled occupations in healthcare, education, engineering, construction, or the military
Ravenna High School is creating an agricultural technology program that will teach students transferable skills for robotics, healthcare, and computer informatics. The program will focus on automated beekeeping, and students will work with robots and active beehives to remotely access data and manage hive health.
Woodlake High School is introducing an online aviation program that 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.