PHS to start career academies program

Students at Philadelphia High will soon have a chance to take close look at potential careers with local businesses and industries.

The Philadelphia Public School District is planning to implement Career Academies that will take local industry needs and ensure students are prepared to become skilled employees in high-demand occupations.

“The goal in adding Career Academies is that the modules provide learning options that are appealing for students with interests and abilities needed in specific careers that don’t necessarily follow the standard college route,” said Dr. Lisa Hull, PPSD superintendent of education.

With the help of the Mississippi Department of Education, Philadelphia High School will be adding Career Academies to the curriculum that offers opportunities for on-the-job training, job shadowing or internships, and the option to earn college credit while in high school.

“These programs reduce dropout rates; encourage participation in postsecondary education; and enable students to earn dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates and technical endorsements,” Hull said.

Career Academies are proven to increase student achievement while cultivating in-demand skills that will help improve earning prospects in their futures. The Academies foster connections that help students tie their career focus to academics, CTE, and vital partnerships with employers within local communities.

The district has established the Career Academy Executive Council to oversee the project. The Council meets this month to put the program together.

Recently, school administration and teachers attended the annual National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) Conference held in Orlando, Florida.

 They attended workshops highlighting projects for NCAC’s national programs, focusing on Career Academies — personalized learning communities centered on a career theme.