Flexing those Future Ready Muscles

More than halfway through their Year of Planning (YOP), The Academy of Health Sciences (Sports Medicine) at Long Island City High School, a New York City Community High School that is also a member of the New York City Department of Education Renewal School program, has been hard at work preparing and inspiring the next generation of leaders for health and fitness related careers. Research from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that in next decade, this competitive market is predicted to grow by at least 24% and provide many career opportunities.

With the success of their school’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT), established in 2013 under the leadership of Principal Vivian Selenikas, Long Island City High School is looking forward to adding another significant career themed Career and Technical Education program that will enable students to get a head start on their futures. A sampling of courses offered in the first year include Chemistry and Introduction to Personal Fitness, followed by Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, AP Biology, and more. Additionally, these students have the opportunity to explore important issues surrounding health, nutrition, and well-being in their class discussions, as well as the chance to work together to consider new solutions and innovative ideas. The community’s excitement about the program from prospective students and their parents has been phenomenal. Over 650 students have applied for the school’s 150 ninth grade seats, with additional students applying each year.

Before opening their doors to students, all prospective NAF academies take part in a structured Year of Planning (YOP) guided by experienced NAF staff. The YOP process involves activities to align resources and program prior to implementation, and helps to establish a sustainable foundation that assures the success of the academy and its ability to fulfill its promise to students and the community. The benefits also include personalized support, professional development, resources, and access to NAF’s network of over 700 academies and thousands of education and business leaders across the country.

The NAF Academy of Health Sciences addresses the critical achievement gap in STEM field as well as a decline in health/fitness levels of society and develops a pipeline of students prepared to pursue health/fitness-related degrees and professions in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, including biotechnology, sports medicine, genetics, nursing, therapeutics, personal training and diagnostics.

In witnessing and helping to create the program develop, Assistant Principal/Director, Jeff Engel said, “NAF students will be better prepared for college and career in science-health based fields after completing the rigorous coursework and hands-on learning opportunities offered as part of the academy experience.”

Ms. Stefanie Rude, who is a Health/PE Educator and Exercise Physiologist at the high school, has dedicated her undergraduate and graduate years to studying health and nutrition and shares firsthand experiences and lessons with her students. She has an intense passion for the field and is thrilled to provide the tools and training needed for these young people to succeed.

“I enjoy combining health theories with practical application and having students work together to ask the important questions about how the body works and how to best take care of themselves,” she said. “I can see self-esteem levels rise as students investigate real-world social and emotional issues and areas of interest, and feel proud of the initiative they take to analyze and problem solve.”

To supplement classroom learning, the high school also has a state-of-the-art weight and fitness room on site for students to utilize. Licensed professionals from the field are frequently invited in to speak to students and offer insights into careers and opportunities within personal training, nursing, medicine, physical education, coaching, and more.

Early in their academic careers, these students have had the advantage of choosing a field of significance and following a pathway to keep them engaged throughout the four years. The content is relevant, work-based learning experiences are hands-on, and access to successful adults and caring mentors are provided. This continuum of activities truly allows students to envision the pathways to their futures.

Freshman student, Arnel Domingo, has been enjoying learning about nutrition and physiology and considering all of the career options that the field has to offer.

“I’ve really enjoyed the different group projects we’ve been assigned over the course of the year and keeping health journals to document observations and questions,” he said. “I hope to help others lead healthy lives and value the time spent in the classroom learning about best practices for mental, physical, and emotional health.”

Long Island City High School has been helping students become Future Ready from day one and looks forward to watching the Academy of Health Sciences grow, expand, and prosper!