BY: DR. NORMA MARTINEZ, GCCISD DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Goose Creek CISD’s commitment to academies can help students start exploring their college and career options earlier in their academic journey, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their future. Collaboration with local businesses, industries, and higher education institutions can enrich the academies’ offerings. These partnerships can provide students with internships, mentorships, and access to real-world experiences and resources.
Students in the eighth grade can apply for one of our 10 academies. The second round of high school applications window opens from January 8, 2024, to July 31, 2024. The window for students to select their endorsement and program of study is open January 8, 2024, through January 31, 2024.
The Academy of Agricultural Sciences provides students with two pathways to choose from: Veterinary Assistant or Plant Science. These pathways provide students with hands-on learning and problem solving, which prepares them to sit for the Certified Veterinary Assistant Exam offered through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association or the Principles of Floral Design certification offered through the Benz School of Floral Design.
Automotive, Collision, and Diesel Repair Technicians are among the 25 highest paying jobs in Texas for 2023 (ZipRecruiter, 2023). At the Advanced Automotive Academy at SCTHS, students learn the required skills to begin a successful career in these repair industries. The integrated curriculum and NATEF- certified facility allow students to earn both high school and college credit for many of their academic and technical courses.
The Digital Communications Academy at SCTHS prepares students for occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats. Students learn about different audio, video, and digital media formats. The courses include exploration into operating machines and equipment to record sound and images, such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment.
Students in the Academy of Culinary Arts can earn college credits while learning to feed the world. They will develop their passion for creating beautiful, healthy meals. Students will study culinary techniques, nutrition, food chemistry, food processing, and restaurant management. Students’ academic and technical classes integrate culinary activities into their coursework. By the time students graduate from high school, they will have gained experience in industry.
Students can prepare for a career in education at the Career Academy for Future Educators at Sterling. Students participate in the Texas Association for Future Educators (TAFE) and Educators Rising where they can compete against other students in the state and nation in education related events. In this academy, students can also obtain an Associate of Arts in teaching, as well as a Public Service Endorsement with Performance Acknowledgements.
Students enrolled in the Global Business Academy receive an engaging business curriculum, job shadowing, internships, career certifications, and preparation for college and the business world. This NCAC National Model Academy allows students to select from four distinct pathways: Business Management, Business Dual Credit Associate’s Plan, Lodging and Resort Management Dual Credit Associate’s Plan, or Agribusiness.
The Sterling Health Science Academy places students on a path of excellence for careers in biomedical and health sciences. Students can earn an associate degree from Lee College that prepares them to go straight into nursing or into a 4-year university for a hard-science degree. Students can also take additional courses in Biomedical Science and Healthcare Diagnostics & Therapeutics pathways.
The Information Technology Career Academy at SCTHS provides students with the opportunity to learn the skills required to begin a successful career in the network and computer systems/support industry. Students can earn both high school credit and college credit for many of their academic and technical courses. These classes combine information technology workplace knowledge and skills that prepare students as Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
From entry-level craft occupations to positions requiring college degrees, students in the Manufacturing & Industrial Maintenance Career Academy learn about the many careers open to them after graduation. Students’ academic and technical classes integrate related manufacturing activities into their coursework with projects. In addition to working on their associate degree or certificate in welding or pipefitting, students can earn their Business and Industry Endorsement.
The STEM Academy at Lee High School is a NCAC National Model Academy that has earned a Texas Education T-STEM designation. Students at this academy can work with business partners such as ExxonMobil, Covestro, Samson, and the City of Baytown. Students also enjoy a well-rounded education with site-based industry field trips, robotics competition, guest speakers, internships, job shadowing, and college visits.
