The North Little Rock Board of Education has approved the Superintendent’s recommendation to name the career academies that will be available for students at North Little Rock High School and the Center of Excellence, beginning the 2023-2024 school year.
These career academies are a part of the Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) model, launched by the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce back in 2019. This model strives to transform learning outcomes for students by bringing together educators, employers, and community leaders to ensure students are future ready to meet the local and national workforce needs that exist.
“This is an exciting time for the North Little Rock School District as we strive to ensure all students are future ready upon graduation,” said Dr. Gregory J. Pilewski, Superintendent of Schools. “The implementation of our new career academies that align with workforce demand in partnership with our local business and industry community will provide numerous opportunities for all of our students with relevant and hands-on learning experiences.”
All four school districts in Pulaski County have agreed to implement this initiative.
Below are the career academies and the pathways for students in the North Little Rock School District:
Center of Excellence
- Academy of Engineering Technology and Computer Science
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Computer Science
- Pre-Engineering
- Academy of Health Sciences
- Biomedical Services
- Criminal Justice
- Medical Skills and Services
- Nursing Services
- Pharmacy Technician
- Sports Medicine
North Little Rock High School
- Academy of Business, Hospitality & Future Technology
- Banking
- Computer Science: Data Science
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Academy of Digital Visual & Performing Arts
- Advertising & Graphic Design Technology
- Commercial Photography
- Dance
- Digital Cinema Productions
- Technical Theatre
- Academy of Health & Human Services
- Human & Social Services
- Nursing Services
- Nutrition Science & Dietetics
- Pre-Educator
NLRHS will be adding the themed academies next school year, while the themes for the COE will be added in conjunction with the existing courses. All current ninth graders enrolled in Freshman Academy will select a career academy and will take the first level of their chosen pathway as a sophomore.
Students will graduate from high school with an industry certification or college credit.
School leaders from the Center of Excellence and North Little Rock High School will be communicating more information in the future about career academies and the pathways.