![Students Explore Signature Programs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1643995439/smsdorg/qxuvmdwxym1tybss4dcp/IMG_7448.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1643995439/smsdorg/qxuvmdwxym1tybss4dcp/IMG_7448.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1643995439/smsdorg/qxuvmdwxym1tybss4dcp/IMG_7448.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1643995439/smsdorg/qxuvmdwxym1tybss4dcp/IMG_7448.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1643995439/smsdorg/qxuvmdwxym1tybss4dcp/IMG_7448.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1643995439/smsdorg/qxuvmdwxym1tybss4dcp/IMG_7448.jpg","width":2200}])
Unique opportunities that prepare high school students for college and career were at the center of two recent events hosted by the Shawnee Mission School District. The SMSD Signature Program Open House and Career and Technical Campus Open House welcomed middle and high school students and their families.
The events provided the opportunity for attendees to tour state-of-the-art classrooms and labs as well as speak with instructors and current students. Students and their families also learned more about options for creating flexibility in their high school schedules to allow time for enrollment in Signature Programs.
“Our mission is to help our students discover their futures,” Dr. Ryan Flurry, principal of career education campuses and coordinator of career and technical education shared.
About Signature Programs
Students and families, even if they could not attend the events, can learn more about these opportunities at https://www.smsd.org/academics/signature-programs.
These programs provide unique opportunities for students in the areas of:
· Animation and Game Design
· Biotechnology
· Culinary Arts and Commercial Baking
· Engineering
· Health Science
· Project Blue Eagle - Fire Science, EMS, & Law Enforcement (offered at the Career and Technical Campus)
The website includes short video introductions to each program and instructor contact information. Middle and/or high school counselors also serve as a tremendous resource in helping students develop a dynamic and individualized high school experience to help them explore their areas of interest.
Working with YouScience, students and parents can connect students' natural aptitudes with the interests to explore potential career paths. This resource is made possible through a generous grant from the Kauffman Foundation.
Learn more about Shawnee Mission School District and YouScience.
Learn more about how the resource works and watch video demonstrations at YouScience.com.
About Real World Learning
Signature Programs connect students to Real World Learning opportunities as outlined in the district’s Strategic Plan.
Real World Learning opportunities prepare students for college and careers. Through Real World Learning, students are able to gain work opportunities or accreditations that contribute to students success in work and learning beyond graduation. These include
Work experiences
Industry-recognized credentials
Dual-college credit
Entrepreneurial experiences.
Click here to learn more about Real World Learning in the SMSD.
Click here for a webinar outlining Real World Learning Initiatives and College Credit Options for students.
“Real World Learning is the connection for students between the classroom learning they’ve had with us and the Real World of work,” Dr. Flurry shared. “We hope students can take all of the knowledge and skills they gain with us and apply it in a real-world setting.”
