2022-23 is a banner year for Mecklenburg County as we open the new Mecklenburg County Middle School and Mecklenburg County High School for our secondary students. The new school’s mascot is the Phoenix; the powerful symbol of resurrection, new life rising from the old ways. This is true for our students as we continue our academic focus on preparing each child to be successful in modern careers. It is also a wonderful opportunity for our community as we designed the building to provide opportunities to unite the east and west ends for civic, social, and economic development programs.

The academic opportunities for our students are detailed within this Program of Studies. Each child will have a significant opportunity to explore the multitude of career pathways throughout their 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade years of Middle School. Our goal is that the career exploration will spark a vision for their future career goals and provide the intrinsic understanding of why success with their academic studies is so important. They are actually beginning to compete for the jobs in their future!

Each student graduating from Mecklenburg County Middle School to Mecklenburg County High School will make an important decision to join one of six career Centers. The Center options are:

• Environmental Science Academy

• Law and Leadership Academy

• International Business and Culture Academy

• Health and Human Services Academy

• S.T.E.M. Academy

• Advanced Technology Academy

Each center was developed specifically to prepare our students for long term, high-paying jobs locally as well as throughout Virginia and the nation. You will find the specific academic program options for each center within this program of studies.

Participating in a career center has many advantages for our students:

• It places the student in a smaller learning community. Each one will provide unique career and social experiences for the participating student to be motivated and prepared for future careers.

• It connects each student with business leaders from local companies who employ persons who have earned the appropriate industry credential. These businesspersons can serve as mentors, and will share important information about development of a strong personal resume and provide job interview tips.

• Most career programs prepare students to earn industry credentials that lead directly to job opportunities. These are the same credentials that students study for a community college or technical center. In fact, many of the Career and Technical Education courses are Dual Enrollment classes with Southside Virginia Community College.

• Each student will have an opportunity to participate in a workforce program for on the job experience. All of the career centers partner with local businesses to provide options for job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, and even entry level jobs.

• Students selecting careers that require a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree will have the option to participate in honors, Dual Enrollment and or Advanced Placement while in high school. This will give students a strong academic foundation for success at the university level.

Mecklenburg County Public Schools developed the architectural plans for the new school specifically to engage our students and business community in this career-focused academic program. We ask each parent to spend quality time with your student to take advantage of the program that will best prepare your child for a bright future in a career that will be fulfilling. Our school counselors, teachers, and other staff are here to assist in every way.

It’s a new day for students in Mecklenburg County! Make the most of these exciting opportunities.

Paul Nichols, Superintendent