HBCUs, Ford Motor Form Partnership to Implement High School Program
WASHINGTON
To spearhead a pilot program designed to prepare African American high school students for college and careers, the Ford Motor Company Fund announced a partnership among the national Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ Business Deans Roundtable (HBCU BDRT), the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) and high schools.
Five regional business school deans of the HBCU BDRT will select the pilot schools that will participate in the initial phase of this effort. To underwrite the cost of this pilot program, Ford Motor Company Fund has agreed to commit $100,000.
“We’re delighted to partner with Ford on this program,” said Dr. Barron Harvey, dean of Howard University’s School of Business and founding chairman of the national HBCU BDRT. “First and foremost this continues a longstanding partnership that Ford has had with historically Black colleges and universities, and more specifically in promoting educational opportunities for African American students. We’re also pleased with the role that the HBCU Deans Roundtable has in launching this pilot and working with high schools in our respective areas to implement this important and outstanding program to expose college-bound students to what we think is a leading-edge curriculum.”
The new program will use the Ford PAS curriculum to provide high school students with a high-quality, interdisciplinary learning experience that challenges them academically and develops their problem-solving, team work, critical thinking and communication skills. The curriculum will introduce students to the concepts and skills necessary to prepare them for professional careers in fields such as business, engineering and technology.
“By forging links among high schools, colleges and businesses, we reinforce the importance of connecting what is taught in high schools to the skills and knowledge needed in higher education and the work force,” said Sandra E. Ulsh, president of Ford Motor Company Fund. “Students will be exposed to three core elements, including developing academic knowledge, interpersonal and human performance skills, and business concepts.”
“As a company, we are committed to supporting educational opportunities that have a direct impact on the communities in which we operate,” said Floyd Washington Jr., director of civic affairs and community development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We believe in the power of education and we believe that access to a quality education empowers individuals to achieve their goals and dreams.”
Ford PAS provides high school students with high-quality interdisciplinary learning experiences that challenge them academically. The Ford PAS project-based high school curriculum consists of three core elements of instilling and developing academic knowledge, interpersonal and human performance skills, and business concepts.
By building strong local partnerships with business and higher education, Ford PAS encourages and prepares students for success in college and professional careers in fields such as business, engineering and technology.
For more information, visit <www.fordpas.org>.
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