Meet LPS Focus Program Scholar: Cedric, The Career Academy

October 18, 2024

Lincoln Public Schools Focus Programs are a customized high school experience rooted in connection and opportunities. 

LPS offers our scholars - like North Star senior Cedric - almost a dozen focus programs where they can choose their journeys. 

Cedric’s interest in welding sparked as a sophomore. Welding and love for cars fueled his choice to do high school differently and test drive his future with The Career Academy (TCA).  The program is a partnership between LPS and Southeast Community College (SCC) – allowing high school juniors and seniors to take specific career pathways courses while earning credits from LPS and SCC. 

Read more about Cedric’s TCA experience in this Q&A as he is one of our featured Focus Program Scholars. 

 

Name: Cedric

Home High School: North Star High School

Grade: 12

Focus Program:  The Career Academy (welding pathway)

 

Why did you choose The Career Academy?

The Career Academy offered me opportunities that no other program did, specifically to focus on welding.

 

What do you like most about The Career Academy?

What I like most about The Career Academy is the challenge you have when you’re in class doing assignments.

What makes The Career Academy different?

The Career Academy allows students the opportunity to get a taste of their future desired careers.

 

How do you get to explore your passions or interests at The Career Academy?  

I get to explore my passion at the Career Academy with thrilling assignments and engagement activities that relate to the pathway I chose. 

 

How has attending The Career Academy empowered you as a student?

It has given me the confidence to chase my dreams and open an auto shop. 

What are your relationships with other students and staff like within The Career Academy?

My relationships at The Career Academy are great. The people are very friendly and they are always open to having a conversation.

 

How has being a part of an LPS Focus Program added to your high school experience? 

It has added the experience of what it is like in the real world.

 

How has The Career Academy prepared you for the future?

The Career Academy prepared me by giving me the tools to pave the way in my career.

Why are focus programs like The Career Academy important to high school students?

It provides the students the taste of real-world careers and it allows us to figure out what we want to do for our future.

 

What is the greatest thing you’ve learned since attending The Career Academy?

I have learned how to be more independent and self-motivated through the instruction and the projects.  

 

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about The Career Academy by visiting its website at https://home.lps.org/tca/.

Don’t forget also to explore LPS Focus Programs at home.lps.org/focus.

 

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