The Labor Department has awarded $3.2 million in two-year grants to launch a program designed to forge innovative school-to-work programs.
The funds will establish programs designed to revise school curricula and incorporate job skills in classrooms.
In announcing the program last month, Secretary of Labor Elizabeth H. Dole said the project, which will make its debut in six states, will make school more relevant to the students involved in the targeted programs.
The partnership efforts will be administered by the department’s work-based learning office, formed early this year to expand on lessons learned in apprenticeship and dislocated-worker programs.
The Private Industry Council in Boston will receive the largest grant, $972,526, for a program combining high-school and community-college courses for students preparing for health careers.
In Los Angeles, the Workforce L.A. Youth Academy, part of the city school system, will team teachers, administrators, and employers to upgrade programs for students interested in telecommunications, banking, and public-service careers.
The Pennsylvania Department of Commerce will use its grant to pair schools and metalworking companies in programs across the state.
The National Alliance of Business in Washington will prepare students in DuPage County, Ill., for jobs as appliance technicians and fund a program in San Francisco combining school and experience working in local bank jobs.
The Electronic Industries Foundation in Washington will fund a model electronics program for math and science students in New Jersey.
Officials said the program may be expanded as the department seeks funds from private sources, businesses and foundations.
