Additional Program Information

Developer and contact

Information on the history of Career Academies and current resources for program implementation is available from the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) and the Career Academy Support Network (CASN).

Scope of use

The NCAC reports that at least 1,500 Career Academies are currently in operation, and a registry maintained by the CASN includes more than 1,600 Career Academies.

Description of intervention

Career Academies were developed more than 30 years ago as a drop-out prevention strategy and targeted youth considered most at risk of dropping out of high school. More recently, Career Academies have broadened the kinds of students they serve, consistent with efforts to integrate rigorous academic curricula with career themes and to attract students who are preparing for post-secondary education. Career Academies operate within a larger high school and are guided by a career theme such as health care, finance, technology, communications, and public service. Students take their career-related courses within the Academy, which often are taught by the core team of Academy teachers. Some Academies integrate their courses with other academic subjects required for graduation. Career Academies also partner with local employers, who provide internship opportunities and mentoring to students, contribute resources, participate in special events, and serve on Academy advisory boards.

Cost

Information on the cost of Career Academies was found for the California Partnership Academies and was estimated in 2004 to be $600 a pupil more than a district's average per pupil expernditure. ⁵ The WWC did not find information on the cost to deliver services to the high-risk youth within the Career Academies.