High School Career Academy earns accolades
Sep 19, 2008
Partnership between Edison State College and the School District of Lee County receives “Champion Award” from the Workforce Development Board.
Fort Myers, Fl. (September 19, 2008) --- An innovative and hands-on high school career academy held this past summer on the Lee Campus of Edison State College, has received a “Champion’s Award” from the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board for preparing students for future careers in public safety and the medical field.
“Receiving a Champion Award from the Workforce Development Board is a tribute to the partnership between the Lee County School District and Edison State College,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, Edison State College Lee Campus president. “The School District and Edison State are committed to developing integrated programs that allow students to explore and experience diverse jobs and career paths, while preparing them academically for the next step following graduation, whether it is continuing their education or entering the workforce.”
Some 100 incoming high school seniors from four Lee County high schools participated in the pilot Career Academy Conference held this summer. Students sampled college coursework through hands-on learning experiences which included driving ambulance simulators, exercises involving heart catheter insertions and radiology imaging, as well as nursing scenarios with SimMan models. Snapshots of working in various careers extended beyond the classroom with visits to the county courthouse, medical examiner’s office and participation in hands-on crime scene investigation scenarios and participation in mock trials.
At the conclusion of the week-long academy, twelve students received scholarships to Edison State College.
Plans are already underway to expand the program next summer and open participation to all area high school career academies and school districts.
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Last Updated: September 19, 2008
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