New CTE model is a plus for schools and students

Abstract

The Academy of Information Technology and Robotics (AITR) in the Volusia County (Fla.) Schools district is leading students to stronger academic gains and better preparation for college and career. AITR is a beefed-up version of the career academy model that began in Philadelphia in 1969. The strengths of AITR exemplify the features of career academies within the Ford Next Generation Learning network of communities. These communities engage employers, civic organizations, school districts, and postsecondary institutions in aligning community resources to transform secondary schools and the workforce development system. Such programs have helped produce many positive outcomes for students, and the model has been widely embraced by education leaders and nonprofits.