"I am doing what I always wanted, and although I took a few detours, after high school, I'm so glad to be in construction. I make a great salary and am able to support my family." - Shane age 34, employed at a local architecture firm. Graduate of Erwin, 2002
Did you Know?
- Florida's graduation rate is below national average
- 47% of students are on free or reduced lunch
- 90% of students enrolled in Career Academies graduate from high school
- 80% of high school students in Career Academies enroll in college
- 65% of all jobs are skilled occupations
- 86% of students in technical education programs graduate and find jobs
Working cohesively to prepare students for the highly competitive job market, the Hillsborough County Education Foundation, along with the Helios Education Foundation and the Hillsborough County Public Schools, are implementing the Transitional Success through STEM Academies project.
Geared towards helping students make a smooth transition from grade school to postsecondary education and STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, and Math) related careers, the program provides an opportunity for students ages 11-18 to flourish in the job market. By creating an easier transition from middle school to high school, the program's initiators will develop a comprehensive curricula guide and provide professional development training for teachers to expose the students to science and engineering career fields.
During a 30 month span, students enrolled in STEM institutes at Buchanan, Greco, Marshall, Shields, and Walker Middle Schools will be transitioned into Career Academies at Strawberry Crest, Gaither, King, Lennard and Sickles high schools.
As a result of the project, a total of 15,000 students will benefit from the program. Transitional Success hopes to increase the number of students enrolled in middle school STEM Career Academies by 10%, increase FCAT reading scores for students in STEM Academies and high school Career Academies as well as enhance students' interests in pursuing STEM related courses and/or careers. The project responds to a need for a more enriched working environment in buisness and technical industries.
In collaborative efforts with the Tampa Bay Tech Forum,Florida Veterinary Services Mosaic, CF Industries, AFCEA Tampa Chapter, Nielson Academic Programs, we hope to continue to serve our students and encourage them to be upstanding members of today's workforce.