Kenneth Addo
Civic Leader
Education Reform Now Advocacy
State Board of Education
Public Meeting
Good evening DC State Board of Education Representatives.
My name is Kenneth Addo. I am a Ward 4 resident and advocate with Education Reform Now Advocacy D.C. Tonight I am here to discuss the need for improved secondary pathways for D.C. students, advocating for effective marketing and collaboration with community partners like myself to enhance awareness and engagement in educational reforms.
Through my canvassing with ERNA DC’s Breaking Barriers campaign in wards 7 and 8, I spoke with numerous voters who, although initially unaware, showed great enthusiasm for expanding educational resources. One memorable encounter with a social studies teacher highlighted the importance of grassroots efforts to prepare students for professional trades and other non-college career pathways.
With only 18 out of 100 ninth graders completing a postsecondary degree within six years, and given the income disparities in D.C.,[1] It’s crucial we leverage our community networks to introduce students to diverse career paths.
The Mayor’s FY2025 budget proposes significant investments, including
- $668,000 for the Office of Education through Employment Pathways
- $5 million to Reimagine High School, support the ATC in Ward 5, Career Ready Internship, Advanced Technical Internship, and dual enrollment seats
- $600,000 to support the opening of a new ATC at the Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center in Ward 8
- $17 million investment to expand ATC at Penn Center
However, there are remaining challenges with dual enrollment opportunities, such as the following:
- Enhancing dual enrollment marketing and analyzing data to tailor programs effectively.
- Expanding cohort-based dual enrollment
- Incentivizing employers in high-demand fields are critical steps forward.
Lastly, as a cybersecurity professional and entrepreneur who has a lot of experience with the way AI has spaced our job markets, I also stress the importance of preparing students for AI-impacted industries by integrating relevant skills into CTE programs. KSE Consulting , is a Black-owned cybersecurity contracting and professional training firm recently recognized by the White House and the Director of Cybersecurity of the United States. They serve as a beacon of empowerment for underserved communities in Washington, DC. I recommend partnering with them to not only foster inclusivity but also ensure that our AI initiatives reflect and uplift the communities we represent, while leveraging their expertise to navigate the complexities of AI integration effectively and ethically.
I urge the SBOE to support these initiatives to provide all D.C. students with fair and just educational opportunities.
Thank you.
[1] DC Policy Center. “State of D.C. Schools, 2022-23: Challenges to pandemic recovery in a new normal.” Source: https://www.dcpolicycenter.org/publications/state-of-dc-schools-2022-23/