Senior Career Academy Alliance in Hospitality & Automotive

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
A full-day Senior Career Academy Alliance in Hospitality & Automotive, to be piloted at the Albany campus in 2008-09, will unite the best qualities of career and technical education and academic study with the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.

The new program will offer high school seniors a full day of study, including a half day of academics and a half day of career and technical education in one of the following programs: Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology, Lodging Management, Automotive Trades Technology, AYES Automotive Technician, Auto Body Collision or Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair.

A team-teaching, contextual learning approach will relate academics classes -- English, participation in government, economics - to the career field. The academy will develop students' 21st century skills, such as teamwork, communication and use of technology, while offering the opportunity to earn college credit and participate in work-based learning experiences. Students will put classroom theory into practice by working with actual customers on campus and through extended externship, internship, part-time employment and community service projects.

While learning about a field that interests them, Senior Academy Alliance students will sharpen their academic skills, build a strong career foundation and be better prepared for success in college, the working world and life in our global society.

21ST CENTURY SKILLS
Senior Career Academy Alliance students will engage in activities that build their abilities in teamwork, communications, problem-solving, creativity, use of technology and other key 21st century skills. Students will be better prepared for the rigors of college and the workplace and the global challenges ahead.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students must have passed all required N.Y.S. Regents or Competency exams to enroll in the Senior Career Academy Alliance program. The program is open to all students, including mainstreamed students who are classified with Individualized Education Plans. Support of an indirect, special education consultant teacher will be available if required. Students completing the Senior Career Academy Alliance program will have a solid foundation of knowledge and experience, preparing them for success in college and the working world.

SCHEDULE & HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS
Academy Alliance students will attend the Career & Technical School for both the a.m. and p.m. sessions, with their school day ending at 1:34 p.m. After completing their day at the Academy, students are able to return to their home school to participate in sports, clubs, service organizations and other activities. Upon successful completion of the Senior Career Academy Alliance program, students will earn credits for: n Career & Technical Education - 4 credits n English 12 and/or College English-1 credit n Economics-1/2 credit n Participation in Government - 1/2 credit n Extended work-based learning - up to 1 credit n Independent Physical Education

COLLEGE AGREEMENTS
Career & Tech has articulation and/or college credit agreements with numerous colleges, universities and other post-secondary educational institutions. For a complete listing for each program of study, visit www.bocescareertech.org or consult the Capital Region Career & Technical School Course Guide.

An agreement for College in the High School credit in English Composition is pending.

PORTFOLIO
Students create a portfolio for presentation to teachers, peers, administrators, educators and/or business and industry professionals. The portfolio includes employability information, exemplary work completed by the student during the school year, and evidence of his or her growth and mastery of technical, academic and communication skills.

WHY AN ACADEMY?
A Career Academy answers the questions, "What am I learning, why am I learning it, and how will I use it?" A Career Academy also provides a unique opportunity for students to spend their entire school day immersed in study centered on their interests. "I never liked school until I found out that I could go to school and do something I like. I am a hands-on learner, and in this program, I am able to show that, because the Academy does a lot of hands-on projects." - Ashlee O., Academy student

AS AN ACADEMY ALLIANCE STUDENT, YOU WILL:
- Learn alongside peers who share your interests and dreams.

- Explore your future career and all it has to offer.

- Learn academics within the context of something you enjoy.

- Gain hands-on experience through job shadowing and internships on-site and in the community.

- Earn college credits at a reduced cost, while still in high school.