schoolsearch: 'Career academies' target vocations

'Career academies' target vocations

Four Pinellas high schools team up with business to guide students toward careers.

By JON WILSON, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 15, 2002

A few high school programs organize academic subjects around specific vocational goals. These "career academies" offer students a chance to learn more about fields they've chosen or want to explore.

Students satisfy college entrance requirements while they absorb vocational skills. Many academy graduates go to college, but others can enter the work force after high school graduation or refine their skills at Pinellas Technical Education Centers.

Four programs are designated as countywide academies. They are available to youngsters throughout Pinellas. The school system provides transportation. Applications are handled like magnet school applications, subject to a lottery. Applications are due Oct. 15.

About 25 students are enrolled in each career program at each grade level, and the students stay with the same teachers for four years.

The academies maintain partnerships with area businesses, which provide mentoring, internships and advice about curriculum.

Available programs include:

Graphic Arts Academy at Dixie Hollins High School: It focuses on printing/graphic arts and commercial arts.

Transportation Academy at Northeast High School: It provides instruction for careers in automotive technology and auto body repair/refinishing.

Architectural Design and Construction Academy at Dunedin High School: It offers electricity and drafting concentrations, with apprenticeships leading to careers as architects, carpenters, electrical systems analysts, electricians, estimators, general or mechanical contractors, home designers or project managers.

Agriscience Academy at Tarpon Springs High School: Veterinary technology, horticultural science and environmental technology are the concentrations. Careers might include environmental compliance, parks and forestry and veterinary medicine.

For information, go to the career academy Web site, www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/Career/default.htm or call 588-6324.