All 21 cities and counties in North Gyeongsang Province apply for education innovation pilot program

All 21 cities and counties in North Gyeongsang Province have applied for the Ministry of Education's "education innovation pilot region" program, the provincial office of education announced Friday.

Following the ministry's call for applications in July, the provincial office of education held information sessions for all 21 cities and counties and their local education support offices, and signed MOUs with them last month.

The applications outline plans to build cooperative frameworks among local education offices, municipal governments and communities; introduce innovations at small schools tailored to regional characteristics; operate education programs drawing on local resources; cultivate local talent and establish conditions for residents to stay; and create education ecosystems built jointly by schools and communities.

Each of the 21 cities and counties proposed education innovation strategies based on its own distinct characteristics and resources, giving concrete shape to North Gyeongsang Province's vision of "education innovation that differs by region, an education ecosystem built together by the region."

Regions designated as education innovation pilot areas will receive 2 billion won ($1.48 million) per year for up to five years — a total of 10 billion won — to develop education innovation models suited to their local conditions.

"We will build a North Gyeongsang-style education innovation that connects each region's unique resources to education, offering students broader learning opportunities while bringing new vitality to local communities," said Im Jong-sik, superintendent of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education.