Career Academies are an innovative and highly successful way of teaching basic academics (math, science, English, social studies) by using the context of real world career examples.  Not to be confused with traditional vocational education, Career Academies improve the teaching of academic subjects by making the lessons more relevant to real working world situations. 

Career academies have taken center stage around the nation in the effort to improve high school education.  The February 2007 edition of the American School Board Journal said that: “Today’s career and technical education is less about lug nuts and monkey wrenches and more about computer-aided drafting and pre-med bioethics.  And it’s for everyone, not just the kids who aren’t going to college.”

One benefit of career academies is that they better connect the business community with education.  That helps students learn more about the real world of work, improving their understanding of the career alternatives available to them and teaching them the basic skills needed in the working world, skills such as working in teams and thinking creatively.  Career academies also help employers because they provide a direct connection to young people interested in careers in specific industries. 

In addition, the Ford Motor Company Fund, which supports career academies around the country, will partner with Long Island Works Coalition (LI Works) and Long Island Association (LIA) to  facilitate Career Academies into Long Island Schools districts.  Glen Cove will be joining 8 other districts launching Career Academies this September.  By working in teams, solving real-world problems and interacting with local business and industry, students are exposed to career opportunities in their community and develop critical 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communications and teamwork.

Matthew T. Crosson, President of the Long Island Association said: “Career Academies are a highly effective way to get kids both motivated to learn and interested in the kinds of careers available to them.  They create a direct connection between schools and careers, and they enable a much closer relationship between schools, students, and employers.  We hope that these career academies will be the first of many, many more on Long Island and that they will help keep talented young people in our region.”

Cheryl Davidson, Executive Director of the Long Island Works Coalition, said: “Career academies bring together workforce development, economic development and education, creating a pipeline for students to have successful careers on Long Island.”

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About the LIA - The Long Island Association - the LIA – is the voice of Long Island. Created over 80 years ago, the LIA brings together business, labor, education, government, not-for-profits, chambers of commerce and civic organizations working to make Long Island an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.

About LI Works - The Long Island Works Coalition is Long Island's first comprehensive effort to forge collaborative working relationships between employers and the educational community. It is an inclusive coalition that brings together employers, government officials, educators on all levels, parents, and students to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce. Key programs include creating Advisory Boards in 70 districts, and hosting 11 Internship Fairs connecting 13,000 students to 850 businesses.  For more information, visit www.liworks.org.

About the Ford Motor Company Fund - Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

is committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford

does business.  National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st-century learning experiences.  For more information, visit http://www.ford.com/our-values/ford-fund-community-service.