Introduction

The Howard County Public School System offers a path for students interested in studying specific career areas while in high school. At River Hill High School currently offer.

What is a Career Academy?

A career Academy provides an opportunity for a group of students to enroll in a specific set of courses associated with a designated career area. Each Career Academy has the following components:

• specific courses that all students in the academy successfully pass
• a capstone project, a work site experience, a research project studying careers in the academy area, or some other experience in which students learn more about the career cluster with which the academy is affiliated
• a demonstrated need for employees within the Career Clusters
• an advisory board consisting of business leaders in the Career Cluster
• adherence to specific rules established by the school system.

What are the benefits of joining a Career Academy?

Students participating in a Career Academy have a clear path for graduation. Each academy meets all graduation requirements and prepares student for post-secondary education and/or the world of work. While in the academy, students have an opportunity to participate in special activities and events that provide greater awareness of the specific career area completing courses together. An advisor and business mentor will be provided to answer questions and help each student as they complete their high school experience. Students completing the requirements for the academy will receive a certificate and student transcripts will also identify the student as an academy completer.

How do I become a member of a Career Academy?

Any student may be part of a s single Career Academy. To become a member of an academy, simply complete a declaration form available in all guidance offices. Students may join on academy up to the end of tenth grade, as long as all applicable prerequisites are met. After the form is submitted, the student will receive a welcome letter and an appointment with a guidance counselor to develop or revise the student's four-year plan such that the student will be able to complete successfully all requirements listed in this supplement for the Career Academy.