Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) has received an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund the Advancing Innovative Partnerships and Pathways to Address Mental Health and Career Readiness (AIPPA) project. The project aims to enhance the career and technical education (CTE) programs and support the mental health needs of the students in the district.
AIPPA project overview
The AIPPA project is a five-year grant that will serve over 10,000 students in grades 9-12 across 11 high schools in CCPS. The project has four main objectives:
- To increase the number of students who complete CTE programs of study and earn industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields such as health science, information technology, and manufacturing.
- To improve the academic performance and college and career readiness of CTE students by providing them with rigorous coursework, work-based learning opportunities, and postsecondary transition services.
- To address the mental health challenges and social-emotional learning needs of CTE students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program, a trauma-informed care model, and a peer support network.
- To build the capacity of CTE teachers, counselors, and administrators by providing them with professional development, coaching, and mentoring.
AIPPA project partners
The AIPPA project is a collaborative effort between CCPS and several external partners, including:
- Clayton State University, which will provide dual enrollment courses, academic support, and career guidance for CTE students.
- Southern Regional Technical College, which will offer technical courses, industry certifications, and apprenticeships for CTE students.
- Clayton County Career Resource Center, which will facilitate work-based learning placements, job fairs, and career exploration activities for CTE students.
- Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, which will provide mental health screenings, referrals, and interventions for CTE students.
- Clayton County Collaborative Authority, which will coordinate the delivery of mental health and social services for CTE students and their families.
- Georgia State University, which will conduct the evaluation and research of the AIPPA project and its outcomes.
AIPPA project impact
The AIPPA project is expected to have a positive impact on the CTE students and the community in Clayton County. According to Dr. Morcease J. Beasley, the superintendent of CCPS, the project will “provide our students with the skills and competencies needed to be successful in the 21st century workforce” and “create a pipeline of talent for our local and regional employers”. He also expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Department of Education for “recognizing the innovative and transformative work that is taking place in Clayton County Public Schools”.
The AIPPA project is one of the 19 grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education under the Perkins Innovation and Modernization program, which supports evidence-based and innovative strategies to improve and modernize CTE and align workforce skills with labor market needs.
