MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAREER ACADEMIES RECEIVE RECORD NUMBER OF AWARDS AS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED MODEL PROGRAMS

Twenty-two career academy programs at 15 senior high schools in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) have received distinction as national model programs by the National Academy Foundation (NAF).  These academies earn this coveted distinction by undergoing an annual assessment process to determine their level of fidelity to the NAF model.  In addition, three schools achieved “Distinguished” status which is achieved by only a handful of academies each year that earn the highest scores on the assessment. 

These industry-themed career academies support skills development and career awareness related to one or more of the One Community One Goal target industries.  According to JD Hoye, NAF President, “these schools are shining examples of what can be accomplished when districts and schools move to a culture of linking education and business to benefit students.”  Students enrolled in career academy programs earn industry level certifications that give them an edge in the career and college application process; participate in summer internships; network with business and community leaders; involve themselves in community service projects; and are eligible for dual enrollment courses and college scholarships.   

M-DCPS has the largest number of nationally recognized academies of any school district.  These 22 programs will be recognized at the national conference, NAF NEXT: Exponential Impact, to be held July 10-12, 2013, in Orlando, Florida.

About the National Academy Foundation (NAF)
The National Academy Foundation (NAF) is an acclaimed network of career-themed academies that open doors for underserved high school students to viable careers.  For 30 years, NAF has refined a proven model that provides young people access to industry-specific curricula, work-based learning experiences, and relationships with business professionals.  This year, NAF academies will serve more than 62,000 students in more than 500 academies in 39 states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools, under the auspices of School Choice & Parental Options, has 51 NAF programs in 26 senior high schools that encompass the career themes of Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Engineering and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact the Academy Lead Teacher at each respective school or call the School Choice & Parental Options Office at 305.995.1922.

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