OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A school board has approved a plan to convert Benson High School in Omaha into a career academy, which is a new twist on the traditional vocational schools.
The Omaha World-Herald reports that the $1.8 million proposal to convert the school into Omaha Public Schools' only career-oriented high school was unanimously approved Monday.
Career academies emphasize job training and give students multiple pathways to earn college credit or industry certifications. Benson students would study business and entrepreneurship; health professions; or construction and design.
Students will also learn how to obtain a job straight out of high school, or how to pursue a higher education degree.
Benson officials say that they need $1.8 million and a six-year commitment from the Omaha Public Schools' school board to get the career academies going. The cost of the academy includes teacher training, eight new staff hires and other start-up costs.
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