The Career Academy Program is a cohort learning community model created to bring together students of various backgrounds and foster relationships based on a common career interest. With great emphasis on student voice, integrated curriculum, and articulated relevancy, the Career Academy Program is designed with a focus on service, project-based, and work-based learning experiences to provide rich opportunities for students to learn the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary career paths in industry-related fields.

• The Career Academy Program integrates academic, technical and 21st century skills to provide students a comprehensive understanding of careers in industry-related professions and employment in entry-level careers.
• Students gain additional knowledge and skills needed for higher level schooling for related careers.
• Students learn through core course work, group projects, reflections, field trips, case studies, and community-based service projects.
• Students gain an understanding of employment opportunities.
• Students learn the importance of project, service, and community-based learning experiences.
• Students are offered rich opportunities to learn skills necessary for a career path in their Academy's related fields.

Students earn a Career Academy Endorsement on their High School diplomas for completion of the requirements of the Academy of their choosing.
Students will be able to reference the Career Academy Program Endorsement on a resume, during interviews and on college applications.

For more information, please contact our Career Academy staff.

Coordinator of Career Programming - Lisa Kiefer, KiefLis@sdmfschools.org

• Business Academy - Sara Sturm, SturSar@sdmfschools.org; Sara Burling, BurlSar@sdmfschools.org
• Creative Academy - Terra Chmielewski, ChmiTer@sdmfschools.org
• Education Academy - Jennifer Moore, MoorJen@sdmfschools.org; Liz Borg, BorgEli@sdmfschools.org
• Healthcare Academy - Jennifer Tarcin, TarcJen@sdmfschools.org; Cyndi Kessler; KessCyn@sdmfschools.org; Renee Maney, ManeRen@sdmfschools.org
• STEM Academy - Computer Science - Brenda Larson, LarsBre@sdmfschools.org; Technology - Kyle Hoyem, HoyeKyl@sdmfschools.org; Engineering - Robert Regent-Smith, RegeRob@sdmfschools.org

What is the Career Academy Model?
The Career Academy Program offers a more focused look at a career pathway offering students opportunities to participate and experience their desired field of interest.

When do I have to apply?
Applications are due prior to Winter Break.  Be sure to register for the appropriate courses required and/or recommended during Course Registration in December.

Can I leave an Academy or change to another Academy?
Students may be able to leave an Academy if your career area is no longer of interest.  Students must complete an exit interview with the Coordinator of Career Programming before exit approval will be considered.

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