Imagine redesigning the high school experience to inspire students to take ownership of their own learning, develop skills to compete in a global economy and be well-prepared for college and careers.
That is the goal of Oxnard Union High School District’s recent $6 million grant to expand its Linked Learning Academies. Instead of students asking, “When will I ever use what I am learning today?” and “How will I apply my learning?”, they can participate in OUHSD’s Linked Learning Academies.
Linked learning integrates traditional subjects such as English, science and mathematics into a thematic academy program. Students have options in health science, culinary arts, manufacturing, engineering, robotics and information technology, hospitality, aviation science, medical sciences, agriculture, business and finance, arts and entertainment.
Linked learning connects industry-sector careers with 22 high school academies to create a win-win situation where students receive a comprehensive education and training that prepares them for success in college and careers in Ventura County. Employers benefit from an emerging workforce that is prepared with 21st century skills to meet the needs of local businesses and support a thriving economy.
Linked learning implements the highly-respected National Academy Foundation’s academy model to engage students by involving them in career preparations, advanced technologies and planning their futures. This is a rigorous education system that integrates student curricula with their specific industry interests to provide deeper learning of careers and the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in life.
These are robust, focused, immersive programs that inspire students to stay in school and pursue their interests. More than 96 percent of seniors in academies graduate high school!
Employers working with OUHSD have donated time and resources to ensure the academies have the equipment and training tools to prepare students for the jobs here in Ventura County. One example is a local employer Haas Automation, which has donated sophisticated robotic machines and support services, allowing students to become proficient in manufacturing technologies.
Local employers provide industry experts to speak to OUHSD students, field trips to work sites and internships where students actually work in their academy field.
NAF academies are expanding across the United States. At a recent national conference, major employers such as Verizon, Hewlett-Packard and AT&T demonstrated their confidence in the academies by offering all NAF graduates guaranteed job interviews and special considerations in the hiring process.
OUHSD was recently recognized for its early success with the California Career Pathways Trust Grant, which will extend OUHSD academy programs thereby connecting more students with more employers and more opportunities for their future.
OUHSD and its business intermediary, the Ventura County Civic Alliance, are working with the local community to expand programs and measure success. Businesses interested in learning more can contact the Civic Alliance at MARooney@CivicAlliance.org or visit the AllianceForLinkedLearning.org website.
You are invited to the community kickoff event on Tuesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Rio Mesa High School to learn more about the transformative power of these academies, meet academy faculty and students, and visit academy classrooms. State Superintendent Tom Torlakson is the keynote speaker. Register at AllianceForLinkedLearning.EventBrite.com
Kay Faulconer Boger is chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance. Gabe Soumakian is superintendent of the Oxnard Union High School District.