Bellevue Public Schools is excited to announce its recent awarding of a $1,500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) for BPS-Project Career Launch. According to the Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education of the National Science and Technology Council, it is critical to our national security that our students spark interest in critical and fast-growing careers in STEM and our PreK-12 education system is poised to increase and sustain student engagement in STEM. This grant will provide Bellevue Public Schools with the college and career ready resources necessary to successfully build and expand the district's current STEM programming. 

“Bellevue Public Schools is pleased to once again partner with DoDEA to support STEM related programming in our schools. Project Career Launch will impact student learning at all levels through the amazing resources, coursework, and programming provided by DoDEA through this grant. Specifically the program will improve literacy development and encourage students to seek careers in health-related fields.” said Dr. Jeff Rippe, Superintendent.

The new funding for Project Career Launch will expand student access to dual credit courses in health sciences and support district-wide efforts to provide reading intervention and phonics resources for students in grades K-12. The grant funds will assist the district's effort to initiate a dual enrollment Health Science Academy at the new BPS Career Launch Center. Project Career Launch will also provide both high schools with needed technology, equipment, and support to transition current health science classes to dual enrollment through Metro Community College. Students in the health science courses at both high schools and the BPS Career Launch Center will have the option for dual enrollment at no cost due to the funds provided by the grant. The grant will also cover costs associated with hiring a credentialed health professional for the Health Science Academy over the next five year. The district will begin to purchase resources for reading intervention and our health science courses during the 2020-21 school year.  Plans are being finalized to launch the Health Science Academy in August of the 2021-22 school year.  

DoDEA awarded $22 million across 21 grants as part of its 2020 Cohort. These grants will serve more than 100,000 students across 13 states. DoDEA's Education Partnership and Resources division strives to ensure all military-connected K-12 students have access to quality educational opportunities through engagement in partnerships with school districts and professional organizations. The division provides school personnel and stakeholders with evidence-based resources and supports to increase understanding and awareness related to the unique challenges faced by military-connected students and families. Learn more about the division here. https://www.dodea.edu/Partnership/about.cfm

About Bellevue Public Schools

Bellevue Public Schools is proud to serve the educational needs of the Bellevue/Offutt Community for children from birth through 21 years of age. The District has approximately 10,000 students; there are 2 high schools, 1 alternative school, 3 middle schools, and 15 elementary schools. The district is accredited by the state of Nebraska and Cognia, a global accreditation agency. BPS provides a comprehensive education program designed to meet the needs of all students. The district-guided, teacher-written curriculum is aligned with Nebraska state standards. Extensive extra-curricular activities provide students with multiple opportunities to participate. Each year BPS students earn state and national recognition in such diverse fields as engineering, science, communication arts, vocal music, band, JROTC, industrial arts, and athletics. 

About DoDEA 

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. DoDEA's mission is to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage the education programs for eligible dependents of U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense. The DoDEA has congressional authority to provide resources to public schools to support the continuity of education for military-connected students through a competitive grant program. DoDEA’s vision of “Excellence in education for every student, every day, everywhere” is realized through this partnership with public school districts.