Students pursuing careers while still in high school
Feb. 20—The Rural Development Park program planned to begin next school year in Morgan County will help students pursue a career while in high school — from dental assistant to firefighter to physical therapy aide.
Shane Bryan, principal of Falkville High School, said the park is a broad program that will allow interested students to pursue high school coursework toward associate degree programs.
"It's just great to see more extensive opportunities for students to pursue a career while in high school," Bryan said. "This will give school so much more meaning to some students, and many of the programs that will be offered will motivate students who just do not experience the same success in a traditional all-day school setting. I'm just jealous I didn't have these opportunities when I was in high school. This is really exciting for all kids in Morgan County."
The program will work under the umbrella of Calhoun Community College, but it will be based on the former Sparkman School campus, Bryan said. The campus is in the process of being renovated in preparation for the 2025-26 school year. The program is funded through a grant, he said.
The number of students will depend on the number of students allowed into each program, Bryan said. In the medical program alone there could be approximately 140 students.
There are multiple benefits of the program.
Students will receive both high school and college credits in the dual-enrollment program as well as earning credits toward a degreed medical program, he said.
Students will take classes from their regular school.
Students in Morgan County Schools will take core classes at their home school location, which is one of the five high schools, Bryan said. The program work will be at the Rural Development Park. They will attend two to three hours each morning, or possibly afternoon, at the RDP while the remainder of their day will be at their home school.
Morgan County students already are taking advantage of advanced training opportunities.
Amelia Lopez, 17, a senior at Falkville High School, takes classes at Calhoun Community College. The nursing assistant program certification she is seeking will allow her to care for long-term health patients and provide a basic level of care, she said.
Her love for caring for others drew her to the program.
"I have always enjoyed helping others, and this allows me to get one foot into the door. My biggest fear is not being able to help my family or others if there is a medical emergency," she said.
She will parlay the knowledge she attains into a nursing career.
"I plan to attend the University of North Alabama where I will pursue a degree in nursing," she said.
She is still enrolled in high school, but she also takes dual-enrollment classes through Wallace State Community College.
She enjoyed the program, finding no downside to it whatsoever.
"I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the teachers," Lopez said. "I could tell they were very passionate about the topic, and they were eager to answer any questions. I also enjoyed working with the health mannequins. There was nothing to dislike about this program. I enjoyed every class and met new people."
— jean.cole@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2361
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