Brainerd High hosted its Future Ready kick-off event on Wednesday, September 12. Brainerd High School has two Future Ready Institutes: the Institute of Aviation and the Institute of Law, First Responders, and Forensic Science. Also, Brainerd has one Career Academy of Entrepreneurship. These small learning communities are new to Brainerd High this year for both new freshmen and other students already enrolled in the Career Technical Education courses. Students took the YouScience Assessment before engaging in Future Ready Activities specific to each of three small learning communities available at the school.
Teachers in all core subject areas of English, math, science, and social studies collaboratively plan weekly with the career teachers to align instruction to state Standards, Core Competencies, and best practices. Each small learning community also has an advisory board made up of community partners to ensure that the program of study the school is implementing for students is truly preparing them for current and future careers.
The Future Ready Institute of Aviation is the study of aviation flight as well as maintenance and light repair. The established advisory board for this institute comprises the Chattanooga Airport, Westar Aviation, Wilson Air, Crystal Air, Chattanooga State, Adventure Sports Innovation, and EEO. Guest speakers from these organizations visited in classrooms throughout the afternoon to directly engage with students. Aviation students witnessed a drone demonstration put on by Skytec.
The Future Ready Institute of Law, First Responders, and Forensic Science incorporates the study of emergency services as well as criminal justice and corrective services. Brainerd has established an advisory board made up of the Chattanooga Bar Association, the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office, and the Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments. In addition to guest speakers from these organizations representing law, first responders, and Forensic Science students were able to tour vehicles from Chattanooga emergency services including a fire engine, police car, and an ambulance.
The Entrepreneurship Career Academy provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter and succeed in the world of business through Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Entrepreneurship, and Business Marketing. Students are immersed in hands-on, real-world, learning experiences that range from running a bistro to operating a full-service salon. The young entrepreneurs also learn foundational business concepts of marketing and finance. Guest speakers for the Future Ready kick-off day include Tim Baker of Baker's Barber & Cosmetology College; Pastor Ternae Jordan Sr. of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, a local entrepreneur; and Chef Elliott Farmer, a renowned culinary phenomenon.