The
role education plays in economic development took center stage at the inaugural
Excellence in Education event, where the Delaware State News joined
community partners – the Greater Kent Committee and Kent Economic Partnership –
to tout a new grant program, designed to assist central Delaware educators in
preparing students for the workforce.
Excellence
in Education launched Nov. 13 during a dinner at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino
that gathered community leaders, businesses and educators with a presentation
that highlighted Kent County’s educational assets. The initiative includes a
video, a publication produced by Delaware State News staff, and a brand new
grant program.
Between
multi-year commitments and the initial investment from Kent County Levy Court,
more than $60,000 has been raised for grants, said Tonda Parks, Delaware State
News director of Event Marketing & Community Outreach.
Grants
will begin to be awarded next fall, when organizers hope to have at least
$25,000 to support workforce development in schools. Grant application details
will come through the non-profit CenDel Foundation.
“The
mission for the Excellence in Education grant program is focused now on
workforce development initiatives and it’s all about getting our young people
to stay in Kent County and to work in Kent County and to have the skill-sets to
meet and close the occupational shortages that we have,” Mrs. Parks said at the
dinner. “There are a lot of job opportunities here. We’re looking toward
filling those positions with skilled employees and residents of this county and
we know that our schools have the programs to meet that. We hope to give them
the funding they may need to highlight or tweak to meet the needs of the
businesses.”
During
this opening remarks, State News Publisher Darel La Prade said, “Our leaders
realize we can create a much better Delaware if we can continue to invest in
developing a talented workforce, while also promoting the quality of our
schools and teachers to anyone out-of-area thinking of moving or opening a
business in Kent County.”
“This
project will help meet both objectives. . . . Good schools are
made better by community support, and good schools are the surest way to grow,
retain and attract the talent we will need to meet the future with success.”
As
usual, Delmarva Marketing Director Heather Cregar played an essential role in
pulling the event together, which attracted more than 250 people.
“This
event would simply not have happened without Heather’s hard work and
organizational skills, or without Tonda’s rainmaking,” La Prade said. “The two
of them make an amazing team.”
The
publication, “Excellence in Education, Central Delaware’s Economic Edge,” was
designed by Tom Maglio, with a cover by Angi Hicks.
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Tonda Parks (Delaware State News, Director Event Marketing
& Community Outreach) presents a check for $54,000 to the Excellence in
Education Fund and thanks all who made it possible.
 |
| Darel
LaPrade (Delaware State News, Publisher) gives his opening remarks and
introduces the Excellence in Education partners. |
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Delaware State News Staffers attending the dinner included
(from left) Digital Sales Manager Marthy Valania, Executive Editor Andy West,
Education Reporter Brooke Schultz, Managing Editor Ashley Dawson, Tonda parks,
Heather Cregar, Group Advertising Director Konrad LaPrade, Darel LaPrade and
Delaware Printing Operations and Sales Manager Jaclyn Fuller.
