Saint Paul Career Pathways Academy program rockets to the next stage

In 2008, Saint Paul College and Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) formed a partnership to launch the Saint Paul Career Pathways Academy, an innovative program that provides area high school students with unique learning opportunities. Now moving into its second year, the Academy offers career–focused education in four areas: Business and Computer Science Technology, Pre–Engineering Health Sciences, and Construction Trades.

During the Fall 2008 term, 81 SPPS students participated in the program. The students were concurrently enrolled at their high schools and at Saint Paul College, taking courses at the College on a part–time basis—and earning both high school and college credits for their efforts.

The Academy has proven so popular that the College and SPPS are now expanding the programs of study available to participants. "We want to give students a head start on a college degree," says Margie Tomsic, the College's dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Instructional Development. "With that in mind, we have several new offerings, including programs of study that can lead to a Nursing Assistant certificate, an AS degree in Interactive Media, or an AS degree in Computer Graphics and Visualization Technology."

Future goals will promote other programs of study within the Academy, leading to a future College certificate in Chemical Technology or AS degrees in such areas as Business Management, Medical Laboratory Technician, or Biomedical Engineering. Tomsic adds that the Academy's other goals include increasing industry participation and hiring a new program director to work on–site at the College.

Tomsic adds that the Academy's other goals include increasing industry participation and hiring a new program director to work on–site at the College.