JPMorgan Chase Grant Allows Delaware Tech to Launch 1+1 Program at Howard High School of Technology

Students from 1+1 IT program with instructors Dawnn Dickerson, CNAP instructor, Howard High School of Technology (left) and Erin Schutt, academic counselor, Delaware Tech (right).

On Friday, December 9, representatives from Delaware Tech and JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) joined students, teachers, and administrators at Howard High School of Technology to celebrate its first 1+1 IT program, thanks to a $285,000 grant from JPMC.

The partnership provides funding for up to 25 Howard High School of Technology students to earn 30 college credits in their sophomore, 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.

At this time, 21 Howard High School of Technology students are participating in the first year of the program.

“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.

“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.”

From left to right – Tom Horne, Market Leaders for JPMorgan Chase in Delaware; 1+1 students; Kyle Hill, principal of Howard High School of Technology; Darin Wilson, community manager at JPMorgan Chase; Dr. Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Tech.

PHOTOS: Top Photo: Students from 1+1 IT program with instructors Dawnn Dickerson, CNAP instructor, Howard High School of Technology (left) and Erin Schutt, academic counselor, Delaware Tech (right).

Bottom Photo: From left to right – Tom Horne, Market Leaders for JPMorgan Chase in Delaware; 1+1 students; Kyle Hill, principal of Howard High School of Technology; Darin Wilson, community manager at JPMorgan Chase; Dr. Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Tech.