Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL)

Challenge

With the global economy changing so quickly, high schools need the support and engagement of local communities to prepare youth for careers, lifelong learning, and leadership. There is a pressing need to foster youths’ employability and durable skills; help them explore careers; give them experience in real-world problem-solving; and support them in thinking flexibly, strategically, and innovatively.

In Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL), the Ford Motor Company Fund and Education Development Center (EDC) charted a new course for secondary schools. By connecting schools with employers and the community, Ford NGL has created a road map that guides school systems and career pathways in transforming education and career readiness for young people in a strong and rapidly growing network of communities.

Key Activities

Ford NGL supports communities in preparing future-ready students through career academies and career pathways, increased collaboration between schools and employer partners, and implementation of problem-based case learning. For almost 20 years, EDC worked closely with the Ford Motor Company Fund to achieve these goals and ensure the sustainability of the initiative. Over the years, EDC experts have:

Designed the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) curriculum, which includes 20 curriculum modules and professional development aligned to CTE standards in engineering and manufacturing pathways
Served on the Ford NGL National Team and Leadership Council and build capacity to sustain and scale systemic transformation of secondary schools
Developed tools and resources to support:
- District and community transformation
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Spread and scale of community and district innovations
- PBCL, community partnerships, and work-based learning
- Performance assessment
- Professional learning communities
- Design thinking principles and processes for educators and leaders
- Data collection to guide continuous improvement
Designed and provided professional development and technical assistance for educators, leaders, and business and community partners in virtual and face- to-face environments
Supported program evaluation and dissemination of results
Grounded transformation efforts in research-based best practices
Provided STEM subject-matter expertise to inform curriculum development and assessment

Impact

Ford NGL communities have seen increases in high school graduation rates and reductions in drop-out rates, fewer absences and disciplinary actions for career academy students, better performances on AP and ACT exams and state tests by academy students, and increases in the percentage of students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).