by Staff
The following press release was sent out Friday morning by New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) spokesperson Justin Harmon.
Harmon told the Independent that over 100 students in grades 9 through 12 are participating in the current Manufacturing Pathway program at Wilbur Cross and Hillhouse high schools. Those students, plus students from Sound School, will participate in this new program with Electric Boat and ReadyCT, “which includes site-based interviews, a hiring event in March, and a year of mentoring and support from ReadyCT upon hiring.”
New Haven Public Schools Launches Partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat to Strengthen Student Career Pathways
NEW HAVEN, CT–New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) is proud to announce a new partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat (EB), marking the district’s designation as an official EB Partner School District. This collaboration connects NHPS students—particularly those in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and manufacturing pathways—with professionals from one of Connecticut’s most prominent employers in advanced manufacturing and maritime engineering.
This partnership represents a shared commitment to preparing New Haven students for high-skill, high-demand careers that drive the state’s economy. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to industry practices, students will gain the skills and confidence needed to transition from the classroom to meaningful careers in the trades and technical fields.
Dr. Madeline Negrόn, Superintendent of Schools, says: “It is our responsibility in New Haven Public Schools to prepare students not only to graduate, but to thrive in college, career, and life. Partnering with Electric Boat represents a long-term investment in our students and in Connecticut’s workforce. We are proud to work alongside Electric Boat to expand opportunities for New Haven students and strengthen our city’s future.”
William Barber, Chief of Workforce Development for General Dynamics Electric Boat, says: “Through our collaboration with New Haven Public Schools, General Dynamics Electric Boat is creating clear pathways from classroom to career. By combining workforce development support with local hiring, we are connecting education to opportunity.”
Connecting Classrooms to Careers
The EB Liaison Program will bring Electric Boat’s expertise directly into New Haven classrooms. Beginning with a focus on design and advanced manufacturing, the initiative will expand to other CTE areas as it grows. Each liaison will collaborate with teachers and students to bridge classroom learning with real-world application.
Key components of the program include:
- Workforce Mentorship: Electric Boat employees will serve as mentors, offering individualized guidance to students and sharing personal career journeys in shipbuilding, design, and engineering.
- Industry Expertise: EB liaisons will collaborate with NHPS CTE instructors to align coursework with current industry standards—ensuring students learn the most up-to-date tools, technologies, and safety protocols used in modern manufacturing.
- Applied Learning: Students will participate in project-based and work-based learning experiences that mirror real-world industry challenges, reinforcing the connection between academic concepts and career readiness.
Robert McCain, Science Supervisor of New Haven Public Schools says: “The partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat is a powerful example of what it means to connect learning to real opportunity. By bringing industry professionals into our classrooms and aligning instruction with modern manufacturing and engineering practices, we are ensuring that students don’t just learn about science, technology, and design—they experience how those skills are used in the real world.”
A Pipeline to Connecticut’s Workforce
The partnership aims to strengthen New Haven’s role as a hub for workforce development and career-connected learning by establishing clear, sustainable links between education and employment. Program goals include:
- Pathways to Employment: Providing structured opportunities for students to apply for internships, apprenticeships, and full-time positions at EB following graduation. Streamlined information sessions for graduating seniors this February, paired with intensive resume and interview coaching to prepare students for the March hiring event—featuring on-the-spot job offers.
- Career Awareness and Exploration: Hosting guest speakers, industry panels, and resume/application workshops that expose students to the diverse career paths available at Electric Boat.
- Mutual Growth: Aligning school-based learning experiences with Connecticut’s growing manufacturing and maritime workforce needs, creating a cycle of talent development that benefits both students and the region.
Dina Natalino, NHPS Supervisor of College & Career Pathways, says: “This partnership is a game-changer for New Haven students! This isn’t just about finding a job after graduation; it’s about launching our students onto a lifelong career path that offers exceptional wage potential, hands-on training, and supported pathways for continued education. Alongside Electric Boat, we are opening doors to a future of limitless growth, and I am so excited to see our graduates take full advantage of these incredible opportunities!”
A Vision for the Future
Keisha Redd-Hannans, NHPS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, says: “This collaboration is part of NHPS’s broader mission to prepare students for success beyond high school—whether in college, technical training, or the workforce. By connecting with partners like Electric Boat, NHPS continues to create pathways that empower students to become critical thinkers, creative innovators, and civic contributors—hallmarks of our Portrait of a Graduate.