Louisiana students who are pursuing career and technical educations instead of college preparation may soon gain credentials in more than 20 fields, state officials announced Thursday. The Jump Start career-education program provides high school graduates with certifications in fields such as welding, construction and plumbing.
The program launches in the 2014-15 academic year. It’s part of what Education Superintendent John White says is an effort to “dignify career education.” Only 1 percent of Louisiana’s high school graduates earn a career diploma, according to the Education Department.
Three regional teams in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Acadiana areas are the first to develop what are called graduation pathways, or multiple courses leading to credentials in a certain field. Students take nine course credits, at minimum, in a pathway. These may include high school courses, dual-enrollment college courses, internships and industry training. Thus far, 23 pathways have been crafted. More are expected from other regional teams in the coming months.