Camden Academy Charter High School

Camden Academy Charter High School September 2018 digital newsletter

A look inside CACHS Senior Options Program

This Monthly Newsletter content is focused on the Senior Options Program

To view the whole Newsletter continue to scroll down to the end

What is the Senior Option Program?

The Class of 2019 is excited to share news of their Senior Options Program

Implemented this school year, this program provides qualified senior students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience outside the classroom in preparation for their post-secondary life, whether it be continuing their education or entering the workforce. Students gain this experience while receiving credits towards high school graduation.

Senior Options Program Mission:

Consolidate and apply high school coursework into meaningful, real world experiences
Connect and network with the outside world
Gain real life experiences and skills
Provide meaning for the pursuit of higher level of education and professional life

Processes & Procedures

Application and placement process takes place during junior year
Seniors attend weekly seminars and trainings
Evaluation is ongoing, in-person or form related basis
Student’s finalize their senior year with a senior project presented to school officials showcasing their experience in May

Pillars for Success

High School Plus @ Camden County College: Professor-taught classes; Camden County College range of courses; Earn college credits; 40% of senior class currently placed

Internships: Typically unpaid professional experience; Matches student to field of interest; Student interns journal daily and research their career choices; Students are able to apply for their own internship; Example partner sites include Campbell Soup Company, Camden Aquarium, Cooper Medical School, Hopeworks 'N Camden, Hispanic Family Center, Rowan University, etc.; 25% of senior class currently placed

Cooperative Education Program: Bridges the gap between education and employment; Combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training; Supports student career decisions and career clusters; 20% of senior class currently placed

Portfolio Placement: College level courses for college bound students; Internationally recognized coursework; College credit award program; 15% of senior class currently placed

Community Service: the 2019 Senior Class spends between 20-100 hours performing community service with a focus on providing a necessity back to the community. Service partner agencies include but are not limited to MANNA, Philabundance, Food Bank of South Jersey, Collingswood Manor, Habitat for Humanity, Kroc Center/Salvation Army, Farmers Against Hunger, New Jersey Tree Foundation, etc.

Student Benefits

Students experience personal growth enabling them to adapt better to the ever-changing circumstances in college, business, career paths, and employment opportunities. Through each experience, students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Students develop professional work skills, earn college credits, and become goodwill ambassadors enabling them to become contributing members of society.
Students become more aware of the changing role of technology in the operation, location and types of careers and businesses.
Students gain first hand networking and mentoring opportunities for life changing experiences.

Camden Academy Charter High School Seniors work directly with a dedicated, caring staff. In the photo is a senior student working directly with the Program Coordinator, Sharon Patton.

External Partner Benefits

Students are tested, screened, and evaluated for proper placement
Mentoring connection for local professionals
A recruitment tool for businesses seeking dependable employees
Allows local employers the ability to provide input on industry trends, standards and training needs

Have questions or want to partner with our Senior Options Program? Please contact us:

Ms. Sharon Patton, spatton@camdencsn.org
Ms. Kyra O'Brien, kobrien@camdencsn.org
Mr. Dean Johnson, djohnson@camdencsn.org
Mr. Ricky Higinbotham, rhiginbotham@camdencsn.org
Mr. Carmine Nigro, cnigro@camdencsn.org
Ms. Dara Ash, dash@camdencsn.org
Ms. Melanie James, mjames@camdencsn.org
Ms. Wendy Milanese, wmilanese@camdencsn.org

Our next issue will be available at the end of October 2018. We plan to incorporate student blogs in our newsletters going forward in order to present outcomes and first person experiences. We hope you enjoyed this first edition of our Senior Option Newsletter. Feel free to keep scrolling and enjoy a sneak peek of Gabriel Colon's Campbell Soup Internship presentation.

During the summer of 2018, incoming senior, Gabriel Colon, interned at Campbell Soup in Camden for six weeks. Based on his interest in the Engineering field, Gabriel was placed in Research and Development. While there he worked with Executive Chefs, Scientists, Technologists, Technicians, Analyst's, etc.

Gabriel Colon provides an overview of his experiences at Campbell Soup Company during a six-week internship

Gabriel Colon works in Campbell's Research and Development executive kitchens to create special batches. Campbell's Executive Chef Gerald originally met Gabriel at Camden Academy's Career Day in May 2018.

If you have an opportunity to host a Camden Academy Charter High School Senior student as an intern, co-op, or worker at your company or business, please contact wmilanese@camdencsn.org or call 856-365-1000, x604

At Charter, our students are college bound. Camden Academy has graduated 13 senior classes with over a 95% graduation rate.

Please visit our website to learn more about the work taking place at Camden Charter School Network and ways to give!

Appreciate

Credits:

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