In November of 2018, with the launch of PA Future Ready Index, education in Pennsylvania took a step forward to providing new options for career success. In addition to college preparation, this new initiative brings together stakeholders from school districts, business, and government to expand pathways to educational success for every student.
Through the PA Future Ready Index, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recognizes that students – and the schools that serve them – are more than just standardized test scores. And we couldn’t agree more. This is why NuPaths is dedicated to preparing students for all post-secondary options; whether it is degree education, military service, or the workforce, because all of these career options are important to individual success as well as a healthy economy.
Keep reading to learn how NuPaths works with schools to provide a variety of accessible and affordable learning programs that aim to jump start post-secondary career opportunities for students.
IT Certifications and College Credits
In partnership with Harrisburg University’s enrichment program, NuPaths provides IT certifications and college credits through courses that teach skills to manage computer hardware, software, mobile computing, networking, troubleshooting, and emerging technologies. These courses are available to any high school student who wishes to enroll in the after-school program. High school students in the 53 school districts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lebanon, Perry and York counties in Pennsylvania may be eligible to enroll in the Harrisburg University enrichment programs free-of-charge.
NuPaths also works with high schools to embed its programs into the high school curriculum where students can learn the IT job skills and earn industry certifications and college credits. Juniors and seniors can take NuPaths programs as part of their daily high school schedule at NuPaths partner high schools while still in high school.
Thirty-five students enrolled in the NuPaths Technical and Security Assistant program from Cumberland Valley, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Cedar Cliff and Greenwood high schools in south central PA earned 151 industry-recognized IT certifications and 322 college credits over the past two years. Twenty students enrolled in the NuPaths Digital Marketing Assistant program at Manheim Township High School in Lancaster, PA earned 84 industry-recognized certifications and 130 college credits in 2020.
By making these learning opportunities available in high schools, students are able to gain a fundamental understanding of core IT technologies like computer hardware, operating systems, networking technologies and protocols, IT security, and troubleshooting; or learn about business technologies like web design and development, online advertising, and analytics. To graduate with this educational foundation and in-demand technology skills provides a great advantage to students wishing to pursue an immediate career or enroll in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program after high school.
Benefit to Students
NuPath’s programs deliver high-quality, personalized learning strategies and techniques that keep students engaged. Our active learning methodologies create a learning experience that goes beyond the traditional whole group instruction that can be challenging and unfulfilling for high school students.
High school students that successfully complete a role-based NuPaths’ curriculum walk away with more than a series of IT courses to round-out their high school career. The NuPaths program provides them with industry-recognized certifications and tech skills for an entry-level IT job role as well as college credits toward a future college education.
Benefit to Schools, Educators and Employers
Schools and educators, as well as colleges and future employers, can be assured that upon graduating high school these students have a strong foundation of technology knowledge upon which they can build. If immediately entering the workforce they are a more attractive hire than someone who does not have the fundamental technology skills or the industry certifications that validate their skills and knowledge. This type of career readiness is what is intended at the high school level by the PA Ready Future Index. And if students go on to college, higher education institutions will see the benefits of the training they have had, which is above and beyond what can be expected of most college freshmen.
If you are a school district, educator, or parent, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you about partnering with NuPaths and Harrisburg University. Aligned to the intent of the PA Future Ready Index, we deliver focused educational pathways for entry-level technology job roles, while providing college credit for future higher education enrollment. Contact NuPaths today to learn more!
