The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $1 million grant to Learn to Earn Dayton, aimed at expanding the Pathways for Accelerated College and Career Experience (PACCE) program. This initiative will extend its reach from Montgomery County to eight school districts across Ohio, including Columbus City Schools.
Learn to Earn Dayton's PACCE program is designed to address workforce needs by preparing students for degrees and certifications in high-demand careers. The expansion will provide middle and high school students with career navigators who support career pathway opportunities. These efforts aim to help students understand their career interests, improve access to college credit through dual enrollment courses, and engage in work-based learning experiences.
The expanded program will serve various communities in southwest and central Ohio: Brookville Local Schools, Columbus City Schools, Jefferson Township Local Schools, Kettering City Schools, Miamisburg City Schools, Trotwood-Madison City Schools, Valley View Local Schools, and Wayne Local Schools.
Stacy Schweikhart, CEO of Learn to Earn Dayton stated: "Our mission is to ensure more students across Montgomery County have equitable access to the degrees and certifications they need to get high-paying jobs. This program removes the barriers of cost and time while also providing high school students with the additional support needed to reach their career goals through education."
Ohio's economy is growing with industries such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing offering high-paying jobs. However, postsecondary enrollment rates have decreased. According to the Ohio Bureau of Labor Market Information, 75% of job growth in Ohio requires at least a postsecondary non-degree credential.
With The BlackRock Foundation’s grant support, an expanded team of career navigators will guide more students into Ohio’s statewide dual enrollment program College Credit Plus. They will assist with transitions from high school to further training or education focusing on state high-growth industries.
Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation said: “Our mission at The BlackRock Foundation is to help more Americans earn, save and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures.” She added that supporting Ohioans' economic opportunity would contribute not only financial security but also a stronger future for the state.
The BlackRock Foundation was created in February 2020 focusing on economic security for underserved communities by helping families earn more. Since 2019 it has invested $35M globally impacting over 120 thousand people worldwide.
Learn To Earn Dayton aims at improving student outcomes along educational paths increasing those earning college degrees or marketable credentials serving as a convener collaborator innovator incubator centering youth voices driving solutions improving local communities.