CAREER ACADEMIES

career academies overview

Beginning the 2023-2024 school year, students in the Class of 2026 and thereafter who are enrolled at North Little Rock High School will be assigned to one of the following career academies: Academy of Business, Hospitality, and Future Technology; Academy of Digital, Visual, and Performing Arts; or Academy of Health & Human Services.  

These career academies are a part of the Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) model, launched by the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce back in 2019.  This model strives to transform learning outcomes for students by bringing together educators, employers, and community leaders to ensure students are future ready to meet the local and national workforce needs that exist.

Please click on this link for more information about career academies.

Baldwin & Shell Construction Academy of Business, Hospitality & Development

Academy Mission: BHD Academy is committed to creating leaders who are self-motivated and effective communicators who are accountable for the success of themselves and their community.

Course Descriptions

Banking

The banking pathway is designed to provide students with real-world banking and financial education and skills. Students will participate in hands-on project based learning. Students enrolled in this pathway will be provided a foundation in finance and business administration as well as an introduction to the role of money, financial literacy and monetary policy in the economy. Students will learn banking practices in deposits, lending funds, extending credit, and banking services which includes cash management, short-term investments, loans, credit cards and bill payments. Students will be able to graduate high school with industry certifications recognized by our local banking community. 

Hospitality & Tourism

In the Hospitality and Tourism pathway, students focus on the skills and knowledge needed for careers within the hospitality industry, including hotel management, customer service, managing and operating restaurants, tourism attractions and travel advising. 

Computer Science: Data Science

In the Computer Science: Data Science pathway, students will be introduced to all the information they need to work with various kinds of data and statistical data. The program is designed so that students have in-depth knowledge of the many approaches, aptitudes, methodologies, and instruments needed to deal with corporate data. Courses provide specialized knowledge and instruction in statistics, programming, algorithms, and other analytical subjects. Students receive instruction in the abilities needed to find the needed solutions and assist in making significant judgments. 

Construction

Construction pathway equips students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to pursue careers in the construction and building trades. This pathway emphasizes hands-on training, technical expertise, safety practices, and industry certifications to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further education in construction-related fields.

JROTC

JROTC pathway develops students' leadership, citizenship, character, and life skills while introducing them to potential careers in the military, public service, or other leadership-oriented fields. It emphasizes personal development, discipline, and a sense of civic responsibility, preparing students for success in both civilian and military roles.  

Career Paths Explored:  Military service (all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard)

Academy of Digital, Visual, & Performing Arts

Academy Mission: Students in the Academy of Digital, Visual, and Performing Arts will be
able to navigate a digital world, visualize their future, and perform their best by connecting and creating world experiences.

Course Descriptions

Digital Cinema Productions

The Digital Cinema Productions pathway will prepare students with an understanding of production principles. Students will learn digital video camera basics, non-linear video editing, audio production, and digital broadcasting. Students will have the opportunity to record and produce a variety of productions for the school and community. Students will be able to create a digital portfolio showcasing their skills and abilities. 

Advertising & Graphic Design Technology

The Advertising and Graphic Design Technology pathway introduces students to the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to create graphic works using industry-standard hardware and software for a variety of purposes and outputs. Students will understand the industry history, terminology, color, design principles, typography, photography, web graphics, animation and ethical and legal issues related to graphic design. Students will be able to graduate high school with a portfolio that demonstrates the skills they have gained while in this pathway. 

Commercial Photography

The Commercial Photography pathway will introduce learners to the art of photography, the mechanics of the camera, how to take photographs with a DSLR, the history of photography, and to prepare students for a career in photography. Students will learn and practice using studio lights, various backgrounds, lighting conditions, subject matter, and posing individuals as well as groups. In addition, students will learn and practice using basic photographic equipment, various backgrounds, lighting conditions, and subject matter. 

Dance

The Dance pathway is for students interested in the technical training involved in dance or discovering behind the scenes of body movement. Discover career and college opportunities available in dance and human kinetics, refine your dance technique, and explore dance entrepreneurship and fitness training.

Technical Theatre

You can develop your theatre performance technique through acting or choose to explore other opportunities in theatre such as playwriting, stage production, or filmmaking in this pathway. Heighten your educational experience and discover career and college opportunities through real-world connections and training in theatre arts.

Baptist Health Academy of Health, Human Services & Law

Academy Mission: Academy Mission: BH Academy of Health, Human Services & Law: we value student-
empowered learning, integrity, and high standards of excellence. HHS &L graduates are problem-solvers equipped with the skills for college, career readiness, and are committed to building stronger holistic communities.

Course Descriptions

Pre-Educator

The Pre-Educator pathway is designed to provide students with information and experiences in the field of education. Students will plan and direct individualized instruction and group activities, prepare instructional materials, assist with record keeping, make physical arrangements, and experience other responsibilities of classroom teachers. Students are involved in observations as well as direct instruction; placement rotations are utilized to allow students to have experiences in various education career roles, grade levels, subject areas, and ability groups.

Nutrition Science & Dietetics 

The Nutrition Science & Dietetics pathway prepares students to focus on using the scientific method to study the various relationships between food science, nutrition, food engineering, nutrition-related diseases, food safety, and food preparation. Laboratory skills in food preparation as well as measuring, recording, and analyzing data is used to explore these relationships. Experimental methods are employed to analyze food mixtures, food microbiology, food preservations, and complex food systems. Scholars are able to analyze the interaction of nutrition, foods, and fitness for overall wellness of individuals and develop essential skills in food safety and food preparation practices needed in the food industry.

Human & Social Services

The human and social services pathway provides a foundation for all career areas that involve interacting with families, mental health and wellness, treatment team members, clients, patients, customers, and the public. Concentration areas include family and social services, youth development, and adult and elder care. Ethical, legal, and safety issues, as well as helping processes and collaborative ways of working with others, will be addressed.

Nursing Services

This pathway prepares students to pursue careers or further education and training in nursing directly out of high school. Students will study anatomy and physiology, patient care, medical equipment usage, medical terminology and medical office skills. This program of study is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills for a range of nursing careers such as home health aide, medical assistant, registered nurse and physician’s assistant.

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice pathway will prepare students for careers in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, security, and other roles within the criminal justice system. This pathway emphasizes both technical skills and foundational knowledge to enable students to pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly after graduation.