Editor's note. While Career Academies have existed since the early 70s, new research highlights their effectiveness as a model that uses many of the elements of Tech Prep, offering them in a structured school-within-a-school framework. Career Academies have been found to increase attendance and the likelihood of staying in school among students at risk for dropping out (Kemple, 2001), reduce the need for remediation (Orr, Hughes, & Karp, 2002), and improve the chances for college attendance (Pierce, 2001). The following article describes an outstanding Illinois Career Academy providing lessons for educators considering this model in their own settings.

The HTA is considered a four-year program; however, a student may enroll in the academy in either the ninth or tenth grade. The career-related classes begin in the freshman year with Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism, which allows students an opportunity to explore their skills and interests. The HTA core courses include English, Social Studies, and Family and Consumer Sciences, and are taught by a team of four teachers who cover the academic and career classes. The academy is an education-to-careers program and strives to meet the varied needs and interests of its students. HTA students also participate in the cooperative education work program as juniors and seniors. Academy classes are limited to 20-25 students.

Students are exposed to a variety of learning opportunities which enable them to develop management and problem solving skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and a good work ethic. The HTA computer lab gives students the opportunity to develop a great number of job skills necessary in the ever-changing business world. In addition, the academy strives to provide students with a variety of learning opportunities through the use of integrated projects. The regular use of computer technology and integrated curriculum enhances the learning process of students with varied learning styles.

An analysis of Springfield's economy provided the career theme for the academy. The fields of hospitality and tourism are the fastest growing career areas in the United States. Springfield is a good reflection of this career bonanza, with potential in the areas of tourism, conventions, travel, recreation, related state and local agencies, hotel/motel management, catering, restaurant management, food service related areas, retail management, sales and marketing. Springfield is uniquely suited because it is the state capitol, has a convention center, and was the hometown of President Lincoln. Further, eating and drinking places comprise the fourth largest employment sector in the Springfield metropolitan area and surrounding counties. Many other historical sites are in the vicinity, which makes it a tourist area for millions of visitors each year. The anticipated openings of the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in 2002 and 2004 are expected to expand the labor market.

Dual Credit and Certification

Students attending some of the classes in the academy receive college credit through the articulation program with Lincoln Land Community College. They may earn up to 10 hours of college credit while in the academy, allowing them to save on college time and tuition costs. One area in which college credit can be earned is in "management certification" for food serving businesses.

Illinois State law now requires that any business serving food have a person with management certification for safe food handling and sanitation present whenever the establishment is open. The curriculum needed for the state certification test is covered as part of the Hospitality and Tourism Management class. Students use curriculum materials developed specifically to meet all of the requirements necessary for successful completion of the food safety course. The instructor for the Hospitality and Tourism Management course is a State of Illinois Certified Instructor and the school is a state approved testing site. This program has been in place in the academy for over five years and has seen a high rate of student success. Students frequently say that this certification has been very helpful to them in a variety of work areas. Employers are eager to hire students who have the management certification. Even students who do not work in food related areas have been told that their resumes stand out. Employers feel that this certification puts the high school student above others because it shows that the student has taken the initiative to do something extra.

School Based Enterprise

Another unique segment of the curriculum is a school-based enterprise. As part of the curriculum in the Hospitality and Tourism Management class, the students operate a school store. The store, the Senator's Express, is open each day before school. It provides a variety of snacks and drinks, school supplies, school spirit items, and sells balloons for all occasions. The Senator's Express provides hands-on experience in the development and management of a small business. Students learn about advertising and promotion, inventory management, merchandising, teamwork, computer technology, and the financial aspects of running a business. The store provides academy students a visibility within the school that makes them proud to be a part of the HTA, and gives them a controlled setting in which to practice the knowledge and skills covered in class.

Business Partnerships

The academy is very fortunate to have an excellent group of business partners. The HTA Business Partner Advisory Committee includes the following members who participate in every aspect of the academy operation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Lincoln Land Community College, Knight's Recreation Park, Flowers LeGrand, Lincoln's Home National Historic Site, McDonald's Corporation, Springfield Hilton, Day's Inn Motel, Illinois State Fair, Traveler's Choice Travel Service, Springfield Convention/Visitors Bureau, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Historical Library, The Hotel/Motel Association, Springfield Restaurant Association, and Capital Airport. Students benefit from these partnerships, gaining business insights though one-on-one interaction with business partners and real-world learning opportunities.

The Results

The Hospitality and Tourism Academy has proven to be beneficial to School District #186, to the Springfield community, and above all, to the students. There has been improvement in student achievement and attendance. The academy has provided a link between School District #186 and the community and business world in a way that is unique and positive. Academy graduates have returned to report that what they learned in the academy has been an important part of their success after high school.u

References

Kemple, J. J., & Snipes, J. C. (2000). Career academies: Impacts on students' engagement and performance in high school. Retrieved on October 10, 2002, from Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation Web site: www.mdrc.org

Orr, M. T., Hughes, K. L., & Karp, M. M. (2002). Career academies: Designing improved education for students, teachers' work and employer participation. New York: Institute on Education and the Economy.

Pierce, D. R. (2001). Student pathways through high school to college. Denver, CO: Education Commission of the States.