🌻 The Ford NGL Newsletter

What does it look like when a student’s high school experience ignites a future they go on to shape for themselves—and give back to others? In this Full Circle feature, meet Alex Delgado Beebe, whose journey from academy student to engineering professional and mentor exemplifies the power of community-connected transformation. Feel the impact here.

Leaders from Ford NGL communities in Scotland and Michigan came together to explore how innovative partnerships can strengthen education and workforce development. This international exchange offered powerful insights and fresh inspiration for transforming learning experiences through collaboration. Unpack the full story.

See how Muskegon is introducing career-connected learning to even its youngest students. This uplifting video shows how elementary learners are beginning to explore their futures and understand the role their schools—and partners like Ford Next Generation Learning—play in helping them dream big and plan for what's ahead. Watch the video here.

Batesville, IN is bringing teaching and learning to life for its youngest students through immersive Guaranteed Experiences. With strong community partnerships and Ford NGL’s support, second graders are connecting classroom content to real-world experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. This is how education transforms from the start. Learn more here.

Learn how the Ford NGL approach to the Career Academy Model is transforming education nationwide by connecting schools, businesses, and communities. See the real impact of our approach in the latest Hechinger Report feature. Explore it here.

Additional News From the Ford NGL Network

✅ Dayton, OH public schools is taking bold steps to expand college and career opportunities for students, ensuring they graduate prepared for success in higher education and the workforce.

✅ Lexicon, Academies of Central Arkansas Partner for Workforce Development Transformation

✅ It's a “a new era” in Albuquerque, NM as the The Academies of Albuquerque” launch.

✅ Racine, WI high schoolers learn outside the schoolroom as part of a new Fire/EMT apprenticeship

✅ McCracken, KY County High School to adopt academy model for student success

If you haven’t explored the newly updated ‘U’ on FordNGL.com, now’s the time. 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. Read more and get to know the ‘U’ here.

When a community commits to doing school differently through the Ford NGL approach to the career academy model, the results speak for themselves. Hampton City Schools has gone all in—from early childhood through high school—to create a system that puts students at the center and prepares them to apply their passion and skills to improve and contribute to their communities and to succeed in a life defined by them.

The data shows it’s working: 97.93% on-time graduation, a 0.5% dropout rate, and a dramatic expansion from 5 to 16 academies with 44 career pathways. This presentation walks through Hampton’s journey, their outcomes, and why their story is a blueprint worth exploring. View the presentation.

This year, WireCrafters signed their sixth graduating class from Academies of Louisville's, PRP High School to full-time positions and welcomed five new hires—bringing the total to over 25% of their 70+ welders coming directly from this partnership with the academies.

Since launching the co-op program in 2019, this collaboration has become a gold standard for the Academies of Louisville. It’s a clear example of how community-connected transformation fuel real, lasting results—for students, employers, and the broader community. Want to smile from these kinds of stories? Follow the Academies of Louisville Alliance for regular inspiration.

Hear directly from WireCrafters, Operations Manager, Chad Anglin here.

LESS THAN 50% OF SEATS REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR AKRON IN ACTION!

Join us November 12–14, 2025, to explore the unique opportunities and challenges of a mid-size urban district and experience the academies in action through school and nonprofit partner tours. Engage with students, educators, and business partners to learn about CCAA’s foundations, and discover how Akron Public Schools designs and monitors its PreK-12 academy model to ensure student success.

View our entire calendar here.

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