Career Academy

The Career Academy has operated at Erwin since 2005. This four year support program helps students transition successfully to high school and once there, resolve conflicts as they arise. The Career Academy also helps students identify careers early which motivates them to remain in school, obtain a diploma, and either move on to college or into a meaningful career. 

The Career Academy promotes academic and vocational excellence, similar to what is expected in the work world. Students receive classroom support at all grade levels so they are successful in classes. Freshmen in the program participate in career exploration through field trips, monthly EDGE visits, and speakers; juniors and seniors receive assistance with classwork, finding jobs, internships, and getting into college, if applicable.

All Career Academy students have the opportunity to participate in our Hospitality Camp. This is supported by the Edge Program (Educating Generations of Employees), which is a partnership between Biltmore Estate, AB Tech, Central Office, and the Career Academy. Students are given a week-long experience to job shadow at the Asheville Mall, AB Tech, and Biltmore Estate. This is a paid program allowing students to explore a variety of careers within the Hospitality field. Interested seniors who have met the requirements of the Hospitality Camp are then eligible for an internship at the Biltmore Estate.

In addition, we offer the One Life program in the spring. Goodwill provides a 14-week program on campus. Upon completion of this program, students are then assisted with a summer paid internship opportunity. 

Career Academy staff believe that high school is a time for students to learn new skills than can transfer to meaningful careers and post-secondary school. The assumption is that students will become good workers by experiencing a combination of relevant and progressive academic and job training opportunities.

Staff

Director: Robyn Pass
robyn.pass@bcsemail.org
828.232.4251 (school) or 828.776.0970 (cell)

Career Development Coordinator: Shelley Stevens
shelley.stevens@bcsemail.org
828.232.4251 (school)