HANSON — Superintendent Jeffrey Szymaniak and Whitman-Hanson Regional High School (WHRHS) Principal Dr. Christopher Jones are pleased to announce WHRHS will offer its first Innovation Career Pathways this upcoming school year.
During the district’s first year in the state’s Innovation Career Pathways program, the high school will offer two pathways: Business and Finance and Healthcare and Social Assistance.
As part of the program, WHRHS students will take technical courses, participate in a 100-hour internship program and have the opportunity to enroll in college dual enrollment and/or AP classes. The WHRHS Innovation Career Pathways program is possible through industry partnerships with MassHire: The Greater Brockton Workforce Board, South Shore Health and Baystate Financial.
“Whitman-Hanson is focused on creating a more progressive, meaningful educational experience for students that meets the diverse needs, perspectives and desires of its community,” said Principal Jones. “By becoming an Innovation Career Pathways school, Whitman-Hanson will not just better serve students, but the community and surrounding industries as well.”
The Innovation Pathway in Healthcare and Social Assistance offered at WHRHS will give students access to real-world hands-on training to prepare them for careers in medicine, nursing, emergency medical services and more. Through their participation in the pathway, students will build career awareness, gain skills and participate in classroom and work-based learning. As part of the pathway, students will be able to take the courses Intro to Health Science and Medical Technician.
“One of the goals of our comprehensive school counseling programs at WHRHS is for every student to develop a plan for life after high school. The Innovation Career Pathways is an excellent tool to help our students make that a reality,” Director of Counseling Ruth Carrigan said.
The Business and Finance Pathway will allow students to engage with financial transaction establishments in order to learn more about facilitating financial transactions. Students will be able to take the courses Introduction to Business, Business Law (Financial Literacy/Investing) and Money Management as part of this program.
“Providing students an education that focuses on college and career readiness has to begin from an understanding that some careers require college and some do not. We have to prepare our students for post-high school success by providing them with the opportunities to gain skills, experiences, and participate in industry credentialed programs and internships,” said Principal Dr. Jones.
Innovation Pathways are designed to give students coursework and experience in specific high-demand industries. The ‘real-world’ pathways allow great flexibility for students who want hands-on experiences and high-level coursework that will prepare them well for both college and career. The five academic programs the state offers through the program are Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Environmental and Life Sciences, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Business and Finance.
“We are really looking forward to being a part of the state-designated Innovation Pathways program. This program will foster a culture of innovation and provide our students with unique opportunities to explore their passions, develop critical skills and prepare them for life after high school,” said Superintendent Szymaniak.
Multiple teachers, administrators and the Counseling Department have worked to make this transition a reality at WHRHS. The district leadership would like to thank them all for their work in creating the specific pathways, new courses and continuous relationship building with industry partners so that students at Whitman-Hanson have this new opportunity.
WHRHS will hold a parent meeting on May 24 and students will be able to sign up for the Innovation Pathways the following week.
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