You don't have to take AP classes or trek all the way to NOVA to earn college credit before you graduate. And you certainly don't need to put school aside if you are eager to start work. You can continue attending school and pursue your career at the same time through the recently launched Governor's Career and Technical Academy at the Arlington Career Center.
The program gives juniors and seniors an opportunity to begin earning a two-year degree from Northern Virginia Community College while gaining valuable career-training experiences.
Offered to students enrolled at the Career Center, the program currently allows students to spend a partial day earning college credit in classes that will help them to get jobs in: Engineering and Technology; Audio and Video Technology and Film; Health Science Support Services; Information Support and Services; and Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance. (Additional career pathways are in development). Meanwhile, enrolled students attend their home schools for partial days too.
At the end of five years, students have earned both a high school and two-year college degree. For more information, go to http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/ct_academies/nga_grant/summaries/arlington.html or http://www.apsva.us/15401033132220617/site/default.asp?. You can also learn more from your high school counselor.
