Students have the option of choosing one of ten career academies; a dual credit cosmetology program, housed at Robert E. Lee High School, IMPACT Early College High School or Stuart Career Tech High School.
Bus transportation is available for all students accepted to any of these options for high school. A help session in English and Spanish for students and parents needing assistance in completing the application, which is available online on the district’s web page, will be held during the GCCISD College & Career Night from 6-8 p.m. at Ross S. Sterling High School on November 4, 2021. The application must be submitted online by November 12, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Students will be notified if they are accepted on November 19th.
The Digital Communications Academy is the latest academy added to the offerings for GCCISD eighth graders to apply to this year. Our new state-of-the-art facility opened in August at Stuart Career Tech High School. The pathway for this academy is Digital Communications. Courses in the pathway will prepare students for occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production or motion pictures. There will be opportunities to earn industry certifications.
The Information Technology Career Academy is currently in its second year and moving into new facilities at Stuart Career Tech High School where students learn the skills required to begin a successful career in the network and computer systems/support industry. Academic and technical classes combine information technology workplace knowledge and skills using industry-standard certifications and curriculum. Students can earn both high school credit and college credit through Lee College for many academic and technical courses. Four years with the Information Technology Academy will lead students to a Business and Industry endorsement, a college associate degree or certificate and a Performance Acknowledgment if they earn CompTIA A+, Network+ or CISCO certifications. Seniors may also participate in internships.
Another option is the Career Academy for Future Educators (CAFÉ), which prepares students for a career in education. Students engage in education curriculum, job shadowing, internships, and college preparation activities. With a team of teachers at each grade level, students’ academic and technical classes integrate related education activities into their coursework and projects span across academy classes. Internship opportunities are available through business partners such as GCCISD elementary, junior, and high school campuses, Bay Area Rehab Center, and local daycare centers. Participation in Texas Association for Future Educators (TAFE) and Educators Rising (state and national organizations) allows student the opportunity to compete in education-related events. Academy students have the opportunity to an associate degree as well as a Public Service Endorsement with Performance Acknowledgments by earning Microsoft Office Specialist, CPR and Education Aide certifications (after graduation).
The Health Science Academy, where students can choose from biomedical science, medical assistant, nurse assistant, pharmacy tech and EMT certification programs. As part of their classes, students will have opportunities to network with healthcare companies to experience a variety of high demand occupations in healthcare. Through activities that connect learning to life, students step in the roles of biomedical science professionals.
Students in the Global Business Academy complete a four-year pathway in a rigorous High School of Business curriculum to prepare them to develop their own business or to continue the university pathway. Students can graduate prepared for a rigorous college business administration major with college credit and Microsoft Office certifications. The Global Business Academy was recently awarded Model Academy Designation by the National Career Academy Coalition.
The STEM-Engineering Academy, which helps students learn the many different facets of engineering, renewable energy, robotics, and instrumentation as they relate to the petrochemical, aerospace, and environmental industries on the Gulf Coast. Students can also choose to earn a Lee College Instrumentation Technology certificate. Mentors from local industry assist students in deciding which type of engineering they want to pursue before they apply for college.
The Cosmetology program provides students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit for their cosmetology classes. Through the program, students receive the technical background and experience necessary to develop the skills and theoretical knowledge required to pass the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Examination to become a licensed Cosmetology Operator and to gain employment in professional salons. Students also will earn a Lee College Cosmetology Certificate of Completion.
Students in the Culinary Arts Academy earn dual credit through Lee College as well as industry certifications and an opportunity to earn an associate degree. Culinary Arts Academy students will have the opportunity to work in the Titan Table, the restaurant that will be opening at SCTHS. Additional real-world experience is gained by students through many catering opportunities and special events that the culinary students participate in throughout the school year.
The Manufacturing and Industrial Maintenance Academy offers both pipefitting and welding programs. Students in the academy learn about the many exciting careers in the petrochemical industries from entry-level craft occupations to careers requiring two- and four-year college degrees. Students may earn NCCER and AWS credentials as well as the opportunity to earn a Lee College Welding Technology Associate of Applied Science while in high school.
Another exciting option that eighth grade students have is to apply to the Agriculture Science Academy. Ag Science students will work with local veterinarians to gain the experience to earn their Vet Assistant certification. The Agriculture Science Academy opened brand new facilities including a reception area, classroom, and lab as well as a pet wash station, exam room, kennels, outdoor area, and greenhouses in the 2020-2021 school year. Students have the option to take academic dual credit courses to graduate “core complete” to save time and money when transferring to four-year universities.
The Advanced Automotive Academy offers two programs of study: Automotive Technology and Collision Repair. Automotive Tech students complete the Lee College automotive Technician AAS and earn ASE certifications. Collision Repair students focus on earning I-CAR credentials that are in high demand locally. The Automotive Academy has a brand-new state-of-the art facility that gives students the opportunity to know what it is like to work in an actual automotive repair or collision shop.
IMPACT Early College High School provides another option for prospective freshmen. At this nationally recognized school, students focus on academics with the goal of graduating with a high school diploma as well as an associate degree from Lee College or college hours to apply to a degree. IMPACT ECHS prepares students to be successful, independent college students by providing college-ready academic behavior and skills, college placement exam preparation (TSIA) and college course support.
Altogether, Goose Creek CISD eighth graders may choose among over 40 programs of study in all five endorsement areas. Very few districts offer these diverse and specialized educational opportunities, so Goose Creek CISD eighth grade students should carefully consider their options as they create their graduation plans and begin their high school experience. Applications to the academies, Cosmetology program, Stuart Career Tech High School and IMPACT Early College High School are available on the Goose Creek CISD website at http://www.gccisd.net.