JPMorgan Chase Awards Grant to Delaware Tech to Support IT Initiatives

JPMorgan Chase has awarded Delaware Tech a $285,000 grant to connect the College's Information Technology and Networking (ITN) students with career exposure, internship, and employment opportunities, and to develop its first 1+1 program with Howard High School.

This partnership with Howard High School in Wilmington, DE, will provide up to 25 students funding to earn 30 college credits in their junior and senior years toward an associate degree in Information Technology and Networking (ITN). Upon successful completion of these courses and graduation from high school, they will fully matriculate into Delaware Tech's ITN program to complete their remaining 30 credits in one year to earn their associate degree.

While not part of the grant, the College is also seeking the state's approval to offer an apprenticeship option within the ITN program, which is projected to be completed and available for the grant-funded Howard High School students in the 2024-25 academic year.

"Studies have found that dual enrollment is an effective strategy for raising high school graduation, college enrollment, and degree completion rates," said Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark T. Brainard. "We are excited to offer the College's first 1+1 program with Howard High School."

The grant supports the College's efforts around equity for all students. The primary goal of the project is to expand the number of high school students from underserved and low-income populations who are enrolled in dual enrollment courses, and pair those courses with holistic services and supports to increase completion, enhance equity, and ultimately close the historical achievement gap for underserved students. The 1+1 program will begin in fall 2022.

"This unique partnership represents the power of Delaware and how a progressive high school, higher education, and the business community can come together to serve students," said Dr. Joseph Jones, superintendent of the New Castle County VO-Tech School District. "We are very fortunate to be a part of this initiative and know it will provide outstanding opportunities for our students and the community. Ensuring students have a direct pipeline, complete with support, from high school to Del Tech in a thriving industry will change these students' lives."

"This initiative is another valuable example of the partnership between JPMorgan Chase and Delaware Technical Community College – one which continues to grow and flourish, said Tom Horne, Market Leader for JPMorgan Chase in Delaware. "I cannot overstate the impact vocational education provides our students. A strong, healthy, and nimble tech talent pipeline is vital to the success of our company, our industry, and Delaware's economic future."