$15M Federal Grant Expands 3 New Haven Magnet Schools' Programming

NEW HAVEN, CT —Three New Haven schools will benefit from a five-year, $15 million that will enhance their magnet programs, the U.S. Department of Education announced yesterday.

Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School, Hill Career High School, and Metropolitan Business Academy will expand their current themes and restructure them to include more magnet courses, expanded career pathways, and more integration with core academic subjects. Partners will work with each school to provide career and work-related experiences for students, including internships. University partners will offer dual-enrollment career courses for college credit.

Betsy Ross Arts and Design Academy will offer two career academies: The Academy of Performing Arts will support entertainers and performers, as well as visual arts and communications. The Academy of Arts and Design will offer studies in media design, as well as special effects and animation.

Hill Regional Career Health and Business Interdistrict Magnet School will offer career academies in Health and Science and in Business and Technology. Each will be supported by a career pathway plan that will consist of core academic subjects, required electives, concurrent enrollment courses with university partners, and workforce development opportunities organized by industry partners.

Metropolitan Academy will offer four academies: Business and Communication; Digital Media and Technology; Law, Leadership, and Public Service; and Education and Leadership. Again, each will be supported by a career pathway plan that will consist of core academic subjects, required electives, concurrent enrollment courses with university partners, and workforce development opportunities organized by industry partners.

“This funding allows us to think freshly about the academic programs of these schools and to build on their particular strengths,” New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón said. “Increasingly, we are finding that fostering career exploration motivates students to achieve across the curriculum. We are excited to carry this approach forward.”

“This is great news for our students and a meaningful investment that will make a real difference in these schools,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said. “We want our young people to have enriching and diverse school experiences that empower them to pursue their academic interests, enjoy different extracurricular activities, and explore potential career opportunities. This grant will help these schools strengthen and expand the magnet and career pathways programs. It’s exciting for our students, educators, and these school communities.”