K12 will be Launching Destinations Career Academies

Current economic, political, and educational climates in the U.S. today have created increasingly high youth unemployment, poor post-secondary graduation rates, and a major skills gap for middle market jobs. These issues have led to a variety of local workforce and professional development initiatives.

In response to the skills gap, K12 will be launching Destinations Career Academies in the fall of 2016.   In addition to earning a high school diploma, graduates will have the opportunity to earn recognized industry certifications in in-demand fields and will also be prepared for the ACT National Career Readiness Certification.   Though specific offerings will vary from school to school, K12 will initially offer 50 CTE courses in 12 pathways.

The programs will include:

• Health Sciences, with specializations in areas such as Nursing and Pharmacy Technician;
• Business Management and Administration, with courses in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Accounting and Microsoft Office;
• Manufacturing, with topics in Production, Machining and Safety; and
• Information Technology, with pathways in web design, programming, and IT support services

These Career and Technical Education (CTE) course pathways will provide students with the requisite skills to be successful in their chosen field of study.  Additionally, students will have the opportunity to take part in real world, on-the-job experiences through internships, mentorships, and apprenticeships to prepare for life post-graduation.

Students will have college and career guidance services, enabling them to assess and explore which CTE areas would be the best fit. In addition to on– demand content, and personalized learning plans, and support from teachers, students will also have the opportunity to participate in a Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO), where they will grow soft skills and workforce preparedness through club activities and competitions.

Coming next fall, Destinations Career Academies will be tuition-free, public online high schools and will also be available through K12’s private schools. Additionally, K12’s CTE programs will be offered to district schools through FuelEd partnerships.

K12 is looking to align with national partners to develop customized course pathways or to provide students with internship, mentorship, or entry-level job placement opportunities for graduates. If you are interested in learning more about K12 Destinations Career Academies or wish to explore potential partnerships, please contact CareerAcademies@K12.com.  

For more on CTE programs:

• YouthBuild: Unleashing Potential
• GPS Education Partners: Closing the Manufacturing Employment Gap

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