A $350,000 grant from The Moody Foundation to Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation will help expand Nacogdoches ISD’s Career and Technical Education program at both the high school and McMichael Middle School, part of an ever-growing emphasis on workforce development for NISD.
The education foundation learned last month it had received the grant from Moody’s Education M-Pact Fund, which supports postsecondary success for students by equipping them with industry-based certifications, hands-on technical training and meaningful workforce connections that lead to high-wage and high-demand jobs identified as crucial for East Texas employers.
Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation, or NEF, connects community resources with the needs of the school district in order to support the mission of NISD. The Foundation uses funding to enhance and complement that mission, understanding that everyone in the community is responsible for creating a quality educational system.
The money from Moody will also be matched by Bill Elliott, who last year pledged to match up to $500,000, allowing the three-year-old NEF to kick off a capital campaign that could add $1 million to its coffers.
The initial installment of $175,000 is expected by NEF this month. The foundation will then write a check for the exact amount as a contribution to the CTE program with Nacogdoches ISD. The second payment will come next year.
The investment will allow NISD to enhance middle school career exploration, CTE pathways in Health Science, Automotive Technology, Agricultural Manufacturing/Welding, Culinary Arts, Robotics, Construction, and add a new Cybersecurity program at the high school.
“This is going to have such a monumental impact on our program,” said Shawn Lucena, NISD’s Director of Career and Technical Education. “There are so many opportunities that will be created for our students that will lead to some great post-graduate possibilities.
“So many of our CTE graduates obtain important certifications along with their high school diplomas, then turn that into additional educational opportunities at colleges, universities and trade schools. This will only enhance our processes.”
Beginning this fall, the CTE program will offer dual credit opportunities in 11 fields, laying the groundwork for students at Nacogdoches High School to accumulate college hours on the way towards graduation, said Lucena.
“Our expanded dual credit program and now the new opportunities offered through this grant will put our students in an advantageous position in the coming years,” Lucena said. “They are truly going to be prepared for the move into the workforce, either directly from high school or by moving on to college or technical schools.”
NEF Executive Director Erin Windham said the funding will integrate cutting-edge technologies and provide real-world, skills-based learning opportunities that prepares students for immediate workforce entry and postsecondary education.
“Our partnerships with local industries and higher education ensure workforce alignment, mentorships, and apprenticeships that will help students transition seamlessly from education to employment,” Windham said.
The new funding will also provide support for students from underserved and rural backgrounds, improving their access to dual-credit coursework, industry certifications, and employer engagement opportunities, Windham said.
“NEF's commitment to workforce-connected learning, along with the Moody Foundation's support with the grant, will create a model for bridging education and employment gaps here in East Texas,” said Windham. “We’re grateful – I’m grateful – for this grant. It’s going to be great for the district, great for the foundation, but especially beneficial for our students in Nacogdoches.”