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Center for Applied Technology & Career ExplorationRocky Mount, VA
Background Context
Franklin County is nestled just south of the Blue Ridge Mountains in rural southwest Virginia. The main industries in the area include timber production and wood and textile manufacturing. The school system consists of approximately 6,997 students housed in eleven elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and the Center for Applied Technology and Career Exploration, otherwise known as CATCE. Approximately 350 eighth and ninth grade students attend programs at CATCE.
An increasing student population in Franklin County and an industry base that did not support new information based technologies prompted school leaders to react. Instead of simply adding on or building a new school building, Franklin County assessed the changes in work skills necessary for the current work force and designed a unique solution that is a model for success. The Center for Applied Technology and Career Exploration (CATCE) houses approximately 350 eighth grade and returning ninth grade students. The students attend CATCE for a semester with an option to return their ninth grade year. While in attendance, students investigate 3 of 8 career tracks projected to have the greatest need and growth when they enter the workforce. Students do this immersed in technology and led by both teaching experts and experienced content experts. Leonard Gereau, superintendent of schools, helped to articulate the vision of stakeholders interested in seeing the experiment succeed. The early success began with the passing of a bond issue by taxpayers as well as procuring federal grant money to build this modern facility that has already demonstrated impact on student achievement and will help students in Franklin County compete for rewarding future careers. |
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