During Futures Academy week, students from seven HISD high schools took an inside look at the industries they hope to enter one day. Students who have been taking courses in Logistics & Global Supply, Engineering Technology, Process Technology, and Health Science saw how those studies can be valuable in the work place this week, giving depth and relevance to their rigorous education.
Kashmere High School students from the Process Technology program visited employees at Shell Deer Park who provided an in-depth look at oil refining and chemical manufacturing. Students heard from experts in the industry with decades of experience and valuable advice.
“You have a chance to do something special with your futures in the Futures Academy,” said Shell Learning Advisor David Sparks. “As you continue to grow and enter the field, you will continue to use teamwork more and more.”
Other students visited Ben Taub General Hospital, the city of Houston green energy building, Kroger distribution, and the HISD information technology facility. The field experiences are part of Futures Academy week, which ended with an induction ceremony at Scarborough High School on Thursday, March 13.
“As part of the Futures Academy, students at several HISD campuses have the opportunities to earn an associate’s degree and receive career training in high‐demand technical fields,” said Assistant Superintendent of Futures Academy Shonda Huery. “The commitment students have made to Futures Academy is the beginning of their pathway for college and career success.”
Working in partnership with the Houston Community College System, HISD opened five new academies in the 2012‐2013 school year. In addition, HISD has partnered with The University of Texas MD Anderson School of Health Professions to offer dual credit courses at one of the two new programs during the 2014‐2015 school year.
The Futures Academy has helped HISD recruit students from neighboring districts and provided students a clear reason to earn college‐ready scores as early as ninth-grade, to be able to start college while in high school. The degree and stackable industry credentials are aimed at providing students with options after high school, to begin rewarding careers in high‐growth, high‐wage fields, or to transfer earned college credits and continue their education at institutions of higher education.
The Seven Futures Academy programs are:
• The Academy of Logistics & Global Supply at Sterling High School
• The Academy of Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Washington High School
• The Academy of Engineering Technology at Furr High School
• The Academy of Process Technology at Kashmere High School
• The Academy of Network & Computer Administration at Scarborough High School
• The Academy of Pharmacy Technology at Long High School
• The Academy of Health Science Careers at Westside High School
For more information about the Futures Academies, visit this website.