Statement on Trump’s Proposal to End the Department of Education dollars!

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Proactive Response to the Federal Government’s Failure: Establishing a County Department of Education to Develop America’s Workforce

The potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education is a stark reminder of the lack of cohesion in national education policy. However, rather than waiting for Washington to decide the future of our students, our county will take direct action. Education is not just about schools—it is about building America’s workforce. Our response will not only protect our students from uncertainty but also strengthen the pipeline between education and economic development.

The County Department of Education: A Workforce-Centered Vision

1. Creating a Cohesive Education Strategy Across Our 59 Municipalities

• Establish a centralized county education department that ensures all school districts align with a unified workforce development strategy.

• Standardize career technical education (CTE) and expand direct trade programs in high schools to provide clear pathways into high-demand fields.

2. Developing a STEAM-Driven Workforce: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

• Expand STEAM curricula in schools to ensure students are prepared for 21st-century careers in AI, quantum computing, engineering, healthcare, and digital arts.

• Establish county-funded research partnerships between high schools and local public and private universities, ensuring students engage in real-world research projects before graduating.

• Integrate STEAM-based apprenticeships and internships, allowing students to transition seamlessly from education to career opportunities in science, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

3. Connecting Youth to Research and Innovation at Local Universities

• Create a County Research Fellowship that directly links high school students to university-led research in biotechnology, green energy, robotics, and more.

• Expand dual enrollment and early admissions programs with universities, allowing students to earn college credits and gain hands-on research experience while in high school.

• Ensure that research is not just for the elite—we will create county-sponsored scholarships and grants to make university research accessible to all students.

4. Expanding Summer Jobs and Workforce Training to Build America’s Economy

• Establish a Countywide Summer Jobs Initiative focused on STEAM careers, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship.

• Develop paid internship programs in partnership with local businesses, research institutions, and trade unions, ensuring students gain valuable hands-on experience before graduation.

• Incentivize businesses to hire and train local youth by offering county tax benefits and workforce development grants.

5. Mitigating the Loss of Federal Education Resources by Strengthening Local Investments

• Redirect county funding to safeguard vital education and workforce programs from federal instability.

• Secure state, private, and philanthropic grants to sustain and expand workforce-centered education initiatives.

• Launch a County Education Investment Fund to provide stable, long-term funding for research, trade programs, and university partnerships.

A National Workforce Solution Starts at the County Level

This initiative is more than an education plan—it is a direct investment in America’s workforce. By equipping students with STEAM skills, hands-on experience, and access to university research, we are ensuring that our county is producing the next generation of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

The federal government’s failure to provide cohesive education policy does not mean we must accept a weakened workforce. Instead, we will lead the way by ensuring our education system is future-focused, economically driven, and strategically connected to the industries that will define America’s success.

While others wait, we act. Our county will protect education, strengthen our workforce, and drive America’s economic future—one student at a time.

#VoteforthatBrother

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