Red River Valley Education Cooperative receives more than $1.2 Million through Succeed 2020
March 5, 2014
The Red River Valley Education Cooperative (RRVEC), a Regional Education Association (REA) serving schools in northeast North Dakota, will receive more than $1.2 million as part of the Succeed 2020 project, an innovative education and workforce initiative being implemented across the state of North Dakota.
This funding will help RRVEC implement its Succeed 2020 programs that are aimed at increasing college and career readiness for middle and high school students in schools throughout northeast North Dakota. Dr. Nancy Burke, RRVEC Coordinator, said “These funds will provide needed opportunities for all RRVEC member districts to build capacity within their schools in the areas of rigorous academic preparation and career & college readiness; with an emphasis on data.”
As part of the program, the RRVEC plans to implement a wide range of activities that include on-going training and mentoring for school counselors and career advisors; supporting schools with the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs; and providing teachers with on-site coaching. According to Paula Pederson, Superintendent Hillsboro Public School District and lead administrator for RRVEC, “It is thrilling to have this grant that will help move our schools further along both academically and in our counseling/advising efforts. We are also excited to see some of the new STEM opportunities our schools will have as a result of having the funding and project resources.”
Succeed 2020 aims to improve North Dakota’s education and workforce development systems and increase students’ achievement in middle grades and high school, access to and success in postsecondary education, and preparation for 21st century careers. The programs are implemented through REAs, a group of school districts working to enhance their educational programs and services through cooperation and the sharing of resources.
During the 2012-13 academic year, the initiative reached nearly 90 percent of the state’s school districts through seven participating North Dakota REAs. More than 2,300 teachers, nearly 220 administrators, and 150 counselors and career advisors took part in professional learning opportunities, and received support and guidance, while more than 3,500 middle and high school students attended career fairs, math and science courses, and other activities.
In 2012, the Hess Corporation, a leading independent energy company, donated more than $25 million to implement Succeed 2020.