February is recognized as Career Tech Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate the value of career training in schools and the achievements of CTE students. University View Academy (UVA) is partnered with all 12 technical colleges across the state through our Early College and Career Academy, offering our juniors and seniors the chance to enroll in tuition-free technical college courses. They can earn credits and even graduate high school with a technical degree or certifications.
Our students can start developing their skills in hands-on career pathways such as air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive studies, computer technology, welding, electrician studies, drafting, process technology, and more. While the hands-on nature of these courses often require travel to the technical college campus, the healthcare access specialist pathway offered through River Parishes Community College is fully online and culminates in a Certificate of Technical Studies in Health Access Specialist.
UVA’s College & Career Tech Education Coordinator Danelle Miller sat down with Asha Picou, a senior enrolled in the healthcare access specialist pathway, to ask about her experience.
“I chose this pathway to get a head start after graduation,” Picou said. “I will be able to spend less time in schooling out of high school and jump right into the serious courses that interest me.”
When asked about support from UVA for the dual enrollment course load, Picou responded, “My counselors and advisers have reached out constantly throughout this journey to make sure I was on the right track to completing my degree, as well as offering me much-needed words of encouragement.”
After her high school graduation, Picou plans to continue her education in the health information technology field. When asked to give advice to peers considering the pathway, she said, “Although it may be a difficult adjustment in the beginning, try your best with each class you take. It will be rewarding in the long run when you push yourself to accomplish something that starts rocky.”
We commend Picou for her determination and diligence. Students thrive when schools give them a jump start on their career aspirations.
University View Academy is Louisiana’s premier tuition-free K-12 online school. We offer a flexible, personalized education choice for residents across Louisiana that is powered by state-certified teachers and supported by in-person Micro Academies.