How Academies and CTE Work Together for Student Success
Like many urban cities, Louisville continues to face challenges with youth disconnection after high school. As of 2023, one in eight young people aged 16 to 24 were disconnected from both work and school, amounting to nearly 17,500 individuals. This disconnection often leads to persistent poverty, unemployment, and other long-term challenges.
Central to addressing this issue is Career and Technical Education (CTE). By equipping students with essential skills and opportunities, CTE plays a vital role in preparing students for success in college and/or careers after high school.
The JCPS Academies of Louisville model represents a significant step forward, integrating CTE into a comprehensive approach to college and career readiness. By combining rigorous academics with career-themed pathways, the Academies ensure that all students graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
What Are Academies and CTE?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) focuses on equipping students with technical skills and real-world knowledge in specific career fields. The Academies of Louisville take this concept further, creating small, career-themed learning communities within high schools. Together, they form a powerful partnership that prepares students for success in both college and careers.
"CTE is not meant to pigeonhole kids," explains Johnston. "Instead, we want to give them opportunities to explore their interests and develop skillsets for jobs." The Academies build on this foundation by integrating rigorous academics with career pathways, ensuring that students graduate with both a diploma and industry-relevant skills.
How Do They Work Together?
The Academies of Louisville operate as "schools within schools," where students are grouped into cohorts based on their chosen career pathway. These pathways align with high-demand industries such as healthcare, engineering, business, and skilled trades. For example, Pleasure Ridge Park High School offers specialized academies like Health Science, Manufacturing Engineering and Design, and Business and Communications.
This model bridges the gap between academics and career preparation. Students take traditional courses like English and math alongside career-specific classes, creating a seamless connection between what they learn in the classroom and how it applies to the real world. As ACTE notes, "Career academies offer some of the best examples of environments that blend academics with contextual and project-based learning.”
“CTE is not meant to pigeonhole kids. Instead, we want to give them opportunities to explore their interests and develop skillsets for jobs.”
Academies vs. CTE Pathways: What's the Difference?
While closely related, there are key distinctions between Academies and CTE pathways. Academies are broader learning communities that integrate academic coursework with career themes. They emphasize collaboration among teachers, students, and industry partners to create a cohesive educational experience.
CTE pathways, on the other hand, are focused sequences of courses designed to teach specific technical skills. These pathways can exist within an Academy or as standalone programs. For example, a student in an Academy might follow a healthcare pathway to gain certifications in medical assisting or nursing.
Beau Johnston
Johnston highlights how this integration benefits students: "The Academies model seeks to align content in high school with opportunities outside." This alignment ensures that students graduate with the tools they need to succeed in both higher education and the workforce.
Why It Matters
The partnership between Academies and CTE is a proven way to prepare students for life after high school. According to CareerTech.org, career academies have been shown to increase academic success, attendance levels, and future earning potential. By combining rigorous academics with hands-on learning experiences, JCPS is helping students discover their passions while building skills that will serve them for years to come.
"All kids have equitable access," Johnston emphasizes. Whether they choose college or enter the workforce directly after graduation, students in the Academies of Louisville leave high school ready to thrive in whatever path they choose.