CollegeNOW Academy
What is the CollegeNOW Academy Program?
The CollegeNOW Academy provides a jump start to post-secondary plans. It gives opportunities for students to learn about, experience and explore career fields by integrating required and career-related curriculum in an authentic, hands-on professional environment, along with academic core requirements for graduation.
This program is taught in partnership with Papillion-La Vista School District and Metro Community College.
The CollegeNOW Academy provides students with transferable skills and technical experience to meet the needs in the Liberal Arts, Entrepreneur and Trades industries.
Liberal Arts: For students who would like to get a jump start toward a 4 year degree, but would like to do this closer to home and in a less expensive environment, this academy is for you. Attend dual credit courses that will meet graduation requirements as well at put you on the fast track to college.
Trades: For students who are anxious to start their career immediately with the possibility of industry certification, this academy is for you. Attend dual credit courses that will prepare you for a specialized high wage, high demand career immediately. If you know what career you’d like to pursue, and are anxious to get started, this is where you want to be.
Entrepreneurship: For students who have an independent, pioneering spirit, this academy is for you. Attend dual credit courses while learning and experiencing what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Whether your goal is to continue on to college, become independently employed, or go directly into the workforce, this academy will give you the professional skills and confidence to “think and do” outside the box.
Who can participate?
Students in grades 11 and 12 who have identified a career interest in Liberal Arts, Trades or Entrepreneurship are invited to participate in this academy program.
Why should you become involved?
National data indicates that students in Career Academy Programs:
- Score higher on achievement tests
- Have a higher graduation rate
- Are more likely to attend college if their career requires post-secondary education
- Have a higher post-secondary G.P.A.
- Earn higher wages if they receive industry certification
When can you start?
The program begins at registration for the junior and senior year course schedule. In year one, students will take core courses and electives to explore careers. Year two continues to build on the basic core skills.
Prerequisites include …
- On-track for graduation
- Successful completion of 9th and 10th grade math courses
- A demonstrated desire to pursue a career in Liberal Arts, Entrepreneurship, or the Trades
General information
The CollegeNOW Academy is located at …
Metro Community College – South Omaha Campus
2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave.
Omaha, NE 68107
Transportation will be provided to and from the student's home high school at the beginning and end of each day.
Grab-and-Go lunches can be picked up at the student’s home high school. Students can also bring their own lunch or eat in the student dining center.
How do I apply?
Fill out academy enrollment application and submit it to your high school counselor.
CollegeNOW Academy Application
Connections
- CollegeNOW Academy is an extension, not a replacement, of the student high school experience.
- Students are able to take both PLSD high school courses and college courses in this program.
- Students remain connected to their high school, allowing them to enroll in electives, AP courses and extracurricular activities.
Top 10 Reasons to attend the CollegeNOW Academy
#10 Explore a variety of careers
#9 Small class sizes
#8 Take classes on Metro Community College Campus
#7 Service learning opportunities
#6 Working one-on-one with college instructors
#5 Personalized schedule
#4 Half price college tuition
#3 Dual enrollment (high school and college credit)
#2 Hands-on application in desired career field
#1 Jump start your post-secondary career plans
How can you learn more?
For more information please contact:
- Guidance counselor at your high school
- Paul Hans, Academy Coordinator
402.537.6248
phans@paplv.esu3.org