The Life Science Academy (LSA) has been honored as a Distinguished School through Project Lead The Way, a nationally recognized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)-based curriculum provider. Life Science Academy is one of 340 schools across the nation selected to receive this designation.
LSA is one of the cornerstone programs of Community Campus. The academy was created in 2011 and is designed to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals by providing advanced high school students with hands-on learning experiences in the field of biomedical science. As part of the curriculum, students are introduced to medicine and human body systems, as well as the wide array of biomedical science careers. Throughout the program, students take on the same real-world challenges as biomedical science professionals, preparing them for careers in medical and health-related fields. Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.
LSA currently serves about 110 students from Apollo, Daviess County, Owensboro, Owensboro Catholic and Hancock County high schools who meet daily in laboratory space generously provided on the campus of Owensboro Community and Technical College.
Dr. Chad Wilkerson, Director of the Life Science Academy said, “Since this program began in 2011, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are preparing students for success as they work towards careers in science and healthcare. Our students excel academically, with assessment scores being well above the national average year after year. We also work to instill in our students an appreciation for community involvement through participation in various outreach activities. This designation as a Distinguished School further validates that we are making a difference and I am very proud of our students, instructors and staff.”
This success would not be possible without the invaluable support from our partners, Owensboro Health and Owensboro Community and Technical College. Owensboro Health is dedicated to helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to ensure that Western Kentucky continues to receive the highest quality of care possible. Our partnership with Owensboro Community and Technical College ensures our students receive the highest level of education while also earning college credit for LSA.
Amanda Jerome, director of Community Campus and DCPS College & Career Readiness coordinator, said, “This Distinguished School recognition from Project Lead The Way of our Life Science Academy validates all the hard work our instructors and staff put in on behalf of students every day. I couldn’t be more proud of them, our students and this program! We know we are changing lives through this program, and this recognition confirms that belief.”
Dr. Veena Sallan, vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer at Owensboro Community & Technical College, said, “This is a well-deserved honor indeed. OCTC is proud to be a partner in such a great program.”
OCTC president Dr. Scott Williams said, “Owensboro Community and Technical College is proud to partner with the Life Sciences Academy and we congratulate them on their well-deserved PLTW honor. This collaboration between secondary and higher education is a model for student success and meeting the demands for healthcare careers. This program is a perfect fit for our mission and embodies the strong secondary, higher education and industry partnerships that flourish in our community.”
Steve Johnson, vice president of governmental and community affairs at Owensboro Health, said, “As an initial partner, Owensboro Health is pleased to have played a part in the success of the Life Sciences Academy. With children and school health being a priority focus for our health system, we believe strongly that the future of healthcare rests with the successful education of our students. The Life Science Academy is one way we can help to advance this future.”
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, the Life Science Academy had to meet the following criteria:
- Offer at least three Project Lead The Way courses;
- Have 25 percent of students or more participate in PLTW courses; or of those who participated in PLTW, at least 33 percent took two or more PLTW courses;
- Have 70 percent of students or more earn a Proficient or higher on PLTW End-of-Course Assessments, or 10 percent of students earn the AP + PLTW Student Achievement.
“It is a great honor to recognize the Life Science Academy for their commitment to students,” said PLTW president and CEO Vince Bertram. “They are a model for what school should look like, and they should be very proud of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
The Life Science Academy is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2018 session, offering students an opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Interested students may apply online or learn more about eligibility requirements at www.lifescienceacademy.net Students and families may contact Amanda Jerome for more information at amanda.jerome@daviess. kyschools.us
