Nebraska Public School Foundations in Action
Norfolk Public Schools Career Academy Ribbon Cutting
Norfolk High School Career Academy Project Fully Funded September 20, 2017
Submitted by Sarah Dittmer, Norfolk Public Schools Foundation
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson announced at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Career Academies at Norfolk High School at 10:30 a.m. on 9/20 that the fundraising goal has been met.
Sarah Dittmer, Executive Director of the Norfolk Public Schools Foundation, shared in a press release that $1.370 million dollars was raised to fund this outstanding project that will benefit thousands of Norfolk students. She said “We had a great response to this project and had donors at all levels willing to support it. Donors included local business and industry, alumni, school employees, retired teachers, invested citizens and grant providers … but the common thread across the donors is that they all could see the value in a strong public school system and the ability to offer students career and college readiness programs in our community. The Norfolk Public Schools Foundation is proud to partner with donors and Norfolk Public Schools to make this learning opportunity a reality.
NHS Career Academies include state of the art equipment and teaching in the fields of Metals/Welding, Automotive, Agriculture (Plant/Animal), Drafting, Construction, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Development, Health Sciences, Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, and Marketing. Students will have the opportunity to experience work-based learning opportunities (field trips, internships), to earn industry specific certifications (OSHA, CNA, etc), and participate in career specific student organizations to develop leadership and teamwork skills (SkillsUSA, FFA, etc.)
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools said “The Career Academies offer much more than only career oriented classes. The academies address every aspect of career and college readiness needed by our students, including career specific curriculum, hands-on experiences, and development of professional skills needed in the workforce. Our students will participate in strategically sequenced coursework that will take them from introductory classes to mastery level classes through their high school career. This sequence of classes will enable the student to graduate and have options to enter the workforce immediately or pursue post-secondary learning after high school.“ She also said, “We are so truly grateful for the support of everyone that has given financial support and expertise to the development of the Career Academies. The outpouring of community support has been very inspiring and greatly appreciated.”
The Career Academy fundraising project included a small addition to the west side of Norfolk High School to expand the Metals and Automotive area, updated equipment where needed throughout the academies, plus an endowment that will provide funding into the future to maintain the integrity of the program for future generations of Norfolk Panthers. The endowment will enable the program to grow, adapt, update, and replace equipment as needed.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition took place on the west side of the High School and included the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, teachers, students, local business/industry and many community members.
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