Duval County has again been recognized for its inclusion in the National Academy Foundation.
A. Philip Randolph (APR) was chosen as one of three schools in Florida to pilot the NAF Health Science Program. The National Academy Foundation (NAF) was created as a partnership between educators and business leaders to better prepare students for successful professional careers.
“It’s exciting to be included in the pilot to develop the NAF Health Science Program,” said Angela Collins, instructor and lead teacher at A. Philip Randolph. “NAF currently operates four academies – finance, engineering, information technology, as well as hospitality and tourism. Only 17 schools nationwide are included in the planning stages, as NAF develops this national academy of health sciences.”
APR’s vision for the academy is to create a national model academy that will prepare students for success and excellence in all of their post secondary endeavors.
“This program will mirror the mission of A. Philip Randolph,” said Principal Kenneth Reddick. “Our students complete a rigorous curriculum to graduate from high school, qualified to compete at the college level without remediation, and ready to enter the work force or military with the skills necessary to succeed.”
The key components of NAF academies are curriculum validated by industry and educational experts, internships, cohort scheduling and advisory boards. Chris Force, director of career and technical education for DCPS, was instrumental in the selection of APR for the pilot program. In accordance with the NAF Health Science Pilot Proposal, this planning year will focus on three critical elements: strengthening the advisory committee, cohort scheduling and increasing the number of students earning health industry certifications.
Students who complete the program are eligible for the Florida State Nursing Assistant certification exam and the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam.
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