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Ford NGL Newsletter
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AI is no longer a future concept, it's shaping how we work, learn, create, and make decisions every day. In this personal reflection, discover the surprising ways AI has entered everyday life and why the real question isn't whether AI will change us, but how we'll choose to use it. Read Cheryl's take on AI here. 

Eight years ago, Central Arkansas set out to reimagine what education could be. Today, they are celebrating the first graduating class to experience the Academies model from start to finish, and the results are proving what's possible when schools, employers, and communities unite around student success. Learn about the regional impact here. 


Congratulations to Dr. Martin-Knox on receiving the Heart of a Champion Award from Caring for Kids Kansas City! Read how Raytown C-2 students nominated their superintendent and why her leadership continues to inspire our school community. Celebrate and share a kudo here. 

Discover how Innovation Academies of Muskegon transformed the freshman experience, increasing ninth-grade promotion rates from 45–50% to more than 90% while strengthening attendance, collaboration, and student support. Read how intentional systems change is helping more students succeed.

Listen in as Ford NGL, & Raytown Quality Schools discuss the implementation and evolution of the Raytown Academies. Learn how career pathways, real-world experiences, and community partnerships are preparing students for college, careers, military service, and future success. Watch here. 

Additional News From the Ford NGL Network


✅  Career-Focused Collaborations Connect Students to Real-World Learning and Workforce Opportunities


✅ ‘This Is the Way to Do It’: Louisville Students and Educators Champion Career Academies


✅ Henry Clay High Adopts Career Academy Model, Joining Lexington’s Workforce Education Movement

 

Jacksonville Schools Accelerate Student Success Through Career Academies and Industry Partnerships


Akron Chamber Partnership Connects Students to Careers Through Real-World Learning


Read all of our network news here. 



Check out what's new on the ‘U’. Designed with your community in mind, the ‘U’ offers curated courses, quick-hit webinars, collaborative Circles, and insightful reports to help sustain your transformation journey. From onboarding new staff to building strong systems, the ‘U’ is packed with tools to help you Go Further. 


Our new webinar explores why a strong partnership system is essential for creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students while building lasting engagement with community and business partners. Launching on June 30th and you can get the scoop here. 

The conversation continues this September as Ford NGL Circles kick off a new year of connection, collaboration, and shared learning. From innovative practices and peer problem-solving to role-specific discussions that support your transformation journey, Circles remain one of the most valuable ways to learn with and from colleagues across the network. See what's coming this fall and explore highlights from recent sessions in the latest Circle update.



What does it take to move from a vision of equitable access to measurable impact? In Dayton, Ohio, community leaders, educators, and workforce partners are working together to answer that question through a comprehensive transformation designed to expand opportunities for every student.


Behind the vision is a story grounded in strategy, alignment, and a deep understanding of both community needs and future workforce demands. The Innovative Academies of Dayton Public Schools are leveraging data, community voice, and cross-sector partnerships to guide decisions, shape priorities, and ensure that every learner has access to experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation.


The numbers tell a compelling story, but so do the people, partnerships, and purpose driving the work. Click here to explore how Dayton is using insight, innovation, and community commitment to create a future where opportunity is not limited to a few, but available to all.



And we're seeing that same commitment to community-connected learning in Racine, WI.


The Academies of Racine continue to demonstrate what's possible when schools, employers, and community partners work together to create meaningful opportunities for students. Their 2025-2026 school year highlights showcase the power of sustained partnership and a shared investment in student success.


The impact is evident:

✔ 384 industry partners supporting local schools
✔ More than 125,000 hours of time and talent donated
✔ 261 youth apprenticeships connecting students to real-world career experiences


These numbers represent more than participation—they reflect a community-wide commitment to preparing students for life beyond graduation.


When education and industry work together, opportunities multiply. Check out more in their monthly newsletter here. 


CTE teachers are leaving. Schools can't afford to ignore it.

Discover practical, research-backed strategies to improve teacher retention, strengthen educator belonging, and build a culture where CTE teachers want to stay. Learn actionable solutions you can implement right now—without major budget increases or policy changes.


Watch the webinar and start creating a stronger, more sustainable workforce for your schools.



Want to see more of what our Ford NGL work looks like in action,

and stay connected to what’s next?


We’re sharing more stories like the above, along with tools, insights, and real examples from communities across the country.


Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTube to:
✔️ See how districts are bringing the work to life
✔️ Access practical strategies you can use right away
✔️ Stay up to date on upcoming webinars, resources, and success stories


If you’re serious about advancing college and career readiness, this is where the conversation continues.


View our entire calendar here.

 


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