Rhode Island's New Pathways to Success

Rhode Island is making moves to give more students a shot at a solid education and future job opportunities. The New England Technical Academy (NETA) is stepping up as a public charter high school, not a money-making venture. It's backed by the New England Institute of Technology, just like the Apprenticeship Exploration School (AES) is supported by the Laborers’ International Union. These schools aren't out to steal resources or operate like private businesses. They follow the same rules as other charter schools in Rhode Island. Open enrollment, public oversight, and accountability are all part of the deal. So, any talk about NETA dividing resources or acting like a for-profit school is way off base. NETA and AES aren't in competition; they're different but complementary. AES focuses on construction and trades, while NETA dives into IT, cybersecurity, robotics, drones, and health sciences. Imagine the possibilities when these programs work together, opening doors for students to explore various career paths.NETA is all about giving a leg up to students who often face barriers. Think multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those from low-income families. The school offers hands-on learning in cutting-edge labs, with early college opportunities. Most students will graduate with at least a year of college under their belts. This approach broadens access to emerging job sectors and ensures all students can thrive. But let's not forget the existing programs like AES, Davies Career and Technical School, and Providence Career & Technical Academy. They're important, but we shouldn't limit the creation of new, innovative pathways. Current programs have long waitlists and strict entrance exams, leaving many students without access. NETA's open-enrollment, no-exam model ensures more students can access career-aligned education. It's about expanding opportunities, not competing with existing programs. The misinformation floating around about NETA is overshadowing the unique value it can bring to students and the workforce. Supporting NETA isn't about choosing one school over another. It's about creating more equitable, workforce-aligned opportunities for all students. This aligns with Governor Dan McKee's 2030 Plan and the Department of Education's priorities. It's time to think critically about how we can best prepare the next generation of skilled professionals in Rhode Island.