The Houston Independent School District will expand the health sciences career program at Jane Long Academy through a partnership with Walgreens for the school’s Futures Academy of Pharmacy Technology.
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“Our students and teachers will benefit greatly from learning from one of the largest employers of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in the world,” said Long Principal Marcela Baez at a press conference Wednesday to announce the academy’s collaboration with Walgreens. “Students will gain valuable knowledge and skills in numerous facets of the pharmacy business. They will be better prepared for the workforce and hopefully gain employment with Walgreens while they complete their educational goals.”
The program will offer about 200 Long students in the pharmacy technology academy field experiences, facility tours, job shadowing, internships, mentoring and training from Walgreens team members, and exposure to Walgreens products and programs.
Walgreens will be the pharmacy technology academy’s first business relationship. This is Walgreens first academic partnership with a high school pharmacy program.
“The program will give these students a first-hand look at how the role of community pharmacy continues to advance and inspire them to find their passion,” said Roy Armstrong, Walgreens market pharmacy director in Houston.
HISD opened five Futures Academies two years ago through a partnership with Houston Community College to allow students to receive college credit, career training, and industry credentials to provide them with options for a promising future after completing high school.
The Futures Academies include the Academy of Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Booker T. 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, and the Academy of Logistics & Global Supply at Sterling High School.
Two additional academies were later opened – the Academy of Construction Technology at Jones High School and the Academy of Health Science Careers at Westside High School, which has a partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson School of Health Professions.
In August, the Futures Academy held its first graduation ceremony by recognizing 84 students in the program who graduated with their associate’s degree and work certifications in programs such as technology, computer administration and engineering.
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