We are celebrating successes of the past year as Hamilton County Schools prepares for the announcement of historic progress in our school district next Wednesday with the release of the student achievement data from the state.
One success story is the number of certifications earned by high school students in Hamilton County Schools during the 2018-2019 school year. The number of students earning an industry certification more than tripled from last school year with 224 earned this year by high school students. Industry certifications allow graduates to leave high school with a certification for a job skill in the career field of choice for a graduating senior. An earned certification puts the graduate at a competitive advantage when looking for a job or entering a post-secondary training program.
Certifications by Year
(2016-2017) 48 Certifications earned at five schools
(2017-2018) 61 Certifications earned at five schools
(2018-2019) 224 Certifications earned at 11 schools
The five-year strategic plan Future Ready 2023 adopted last year focused on more students taking early post-secondary options and earning industry certifications. Studies show that students who take early post-secondary options and earn industry certifications are more likely to enroll in a post-secondary program and more likely to complete a program of study.
Marie Holland, a 2019 graduate of Sequoyah High, is one student starting a bright career after high school. Holland was the only female in her welding class, but she left high school with a job offer in hand from Heatec, a local company that manufactures and markets a broad line of heaters and liquid storage tanks. Holland participated in an internship at Heatec in high school, and her work ethic and skill earned her a full-time job upon graduation.
“Welding stood out to me because I was looking for something that I would enjoy for a career,” said Holland. “I want to enjoy where I work and what I do because if you do not enjoy what you do, it is work to you.”
You are invited to join Hamilton County Schools to celebrate the historic progress of students and schools with the release of state achievement data for Hamilton County Schools on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at 1 p.m. The celebration will be held at the Tennessee Aquarium located at 1 Broad Street in Chattanooga.
YouTube Video of Marie Holland